Lahore (Web Desk): Former Punjab chief minister (CM) Chaudhry Parvez Elahi on Tuesday formally joined the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) along with 10 Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid's (PML-Q) former members of provincial assembly (MPAs).
The announcemnt by Parvez Elahi came after the PML-Q President Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain sacked him as the party’s Punjab president and revoked his basic membership.
Addressing a press conference alongside PTI Senior Vice President Fawad Chaudhry, Parvez Elahi said he had always supported Imran Khan Imran during difficult times and proved his loyalty through chief ministership.
Elahi said that he along with his 10 fellows stood firmly with Imran Khan and will continue to stand with him in the future.
"We have complete faith in Imran Khan's leadership and we’re thankful to him that he has given us this opportunity,” the former Punjab CM said.
Speaking on the occasion, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry said that the party welcomed Parvez Elahi, Moonis Elahi, Hussain Elahi and their aides.
"Now they have become part of the PTI and will start their journey under the leadership of Imran Khan for New Pakistan," he said.
The former minister said that Elahi had rendered sacrifices and remained steadfast with Imran.
He said that the PTI chief offered Elahi to join the party because it would be a win-win arrangement for both sides.
Fawad added that Elahi would also be given the post of president in the PTI and the senior leadership had already approved the decision.
Earlier, Parvez Elahi, along with the 10 former PML-Q MPAs met with the PTI chairman at his Lahore's Zaman Park residence and discussed the political situation in the country.
The former MPAs, who joined the PTI included Hafiz Ammar Yasir, Shujaat Nawaz, Abdullah Warraich, Bao Rizwan, Sajid Bhatti, Ahsanul Haque, Mohammad Afzal, Basma Chaudhry and Khadija Umar Farooqui.
Parvez Elahi became the Punjab CM with the PTI's support after he supported Imran just before his ouster from the office of the prime minister through a no-confidence motion.
On the other hand, the PML-Q favoured the no-trust move. However, Imran Khan then nominated Parvez Elahi for the office of the CM.
In January, Parvez Elahi dissolved the Punjab Assembly, calling for early elections in the province on the instructions of the PTI chief Imran Khan.
In a statement on January 15, Elahi had indicated at the possible merger of the PML-Q with the PTI.
However, the next day, PML-Q president sent him a show-cause notice and suspended his membership of the party over the merger comments.