ISLAMABAD: A nationalist and a communist party joined hands here on Saturday with a pledge to struggle for the oppressed and to convert Pakistan into a `welfare state` from a `security state`.

The Awami Party Pakistan`s merger with the Balochistan-based National Party was announced at a press conference by NP chief Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo.

Leaders of APP who accompanied Mr Bizenjo were Mukhtar Bachha and Dr Hassan Nasir.

`We believe that there is no political party in the country which really feels the misery of the poor. Therefore, the National Party and Awami Party Pakistan have decided to work together for the betterment of the underprivileged segment of the society,` Mir Bizenjo said.-Staff Reporter