RAHIM YAR KHAN – In a major boost to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf in south Punjab, PML-N’s prominent leader in Lodhran district Peer Iqbal Shah – who defeated Ali Tareen in by-polls – has joined Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
According to media reports, Shah also met with former opponent Jahangir Tareen to obtain party ticket for the upcoming polls after PML-N refused to award him ticket.
Shah has submitted nomination papers from NA-161 as an independent candidate – the constituency from where Ali Tareen withdrew his nomination citing educational issues.
In an interview to a leading daily, Shah said promises were made after the recent victory in Lodhran by-polls but they have not been fulfilled.
“I and my son Amir Iqbal Shah were neglected by Abdur Rahman Kanjoo and PML-N leadership and this was why they have decided to join PTI,” said Shah while talking to the Express Tribune.
According to well-placed sources, Jahangir Tareen has welcomed Shah in the party following the departure of Ali Tareen from the electoral race.
Shah shot to fame in February when he defeated Ali Tareen, son of Jahangir Tareen, in NA-154 in District Lodhran, surprising political analysts and PML-N alike.
Lodhran houses two seats of the national assembly and three seats of the provincial assembly and a cut-throat competition in expected on July 25th.
