PPP leader from Punjab Raja Riaz joins PTI

Riaz is a former opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly

LAHORE: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader from Punjab Raja Riaz Ahmed has joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), sources in both the parties confirmed on Friday.

Riaz, an ex-MPA from PP-65 Faisalabad, is a former leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly.

“Raja Riaz was upset with the party leadership. Few weeks ago in a meeting at his residence he hinted at joining the PTI," a senior PPP leader told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.



“In the party’s Organising Committee of Central Punjab meeting, Riaz was criticised by chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Party’s new leadership in Faisalabad would be announced soon,” another PPP leader who attended the party meeting in Lahore said.

Meanwhile, a PTI MPA said chairman Imran Khan might announce Riaz’s joining at the party’s Faisalabad rally on May 20.

Many leaders in the PTI, however, have not been taken on board on this issue, he added.