KARACHI / HYDERABAD: Muhammad Ismail Rahoo, former provincial president of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, tendered his resignation as a member of the Sindh Assembly on Tuesday, a day before heis expected tojoin the Pakistan Peoples Party.

Mr Rahoo resigned as the PML-N`s provincial chief last month amid reports that he would join the PPP to rival Dr Zulfiqar Mirza, a friendturned-foe of PPP leader Asif Zardari. Af ter relieving him from the post of Sindh president, on Mr Rahoo`s request, the PML-N had brought in a lesser known political figure, Babu Sarfaraz Jatoi, as his replacement.

Inhislettertothespeaker of the Sindh Assembly, Mr Rahoo cited `personal reasons` for resigning from his seat from Badin`s Golarchi Taluka. The speaker is expected to accept Mr Rahoo`s resignation after the assembly resumes its session on Friday.

Mr Zardari is expected to visit him on Wednesday to announce his induction into the PPP. The veteran politician`s defection to the PPP might appear as a major blow to the PML-N`s position in Sindh. The son of popularpeasantleaderFazil Rahu, who was assassinated in 1987, wields considerable political clout because of his father`s legacy.