ISLAMABAD: Babar Awan on Thursday officially resigned from the Upper House of the Parliament after joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Speaking to a private TV, the former law minister confirmed that he had sent his resignation to Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani. Addressing the resignation to Rabbani and President Mamnoon Hussain, Awan wrote: “I strongly hope that under your leadership, the Upper House of Parliament will continue to protect the rights of the weaker classes, backward areas, minorities and women.” Babar Awan said he would present himself to confirm his resignation whenever he was called by the Senate chairman. “I am not Nehal Hashmi and will not backtrack from my announcement,” he said. He was elected to Senate on Pakistan People’s Party ticket in 2012. He quit PPP after 21 years of association and joined the PTI last week. PTI Chairman Imran Khan had welcomed Babar Awan into the party ranks, saying: “Babar Awan has taken the right decision for the sake of the country.” He also served as law minister in the cabinet of former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gillani. Published in Daily Times, June 30th, 2017.