Islamabad, Nov 28 (IANS): Former Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who had earlier relinquished membership of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Sunday formally announced his decision to join the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party lead by ex-cricketer Imran Khan.

Qureshi made the announcement at a huge public rally in Ghotki in southern Sindh province, also attended by PTI chairman Imran Khan.

The decision did not came as a surprise, as Khan had already disclosed Qureshi's intension weeks ago.

Earlier this month, Qureshi had parted ways from the PPP and also gave up his membership in the National Assembly.

The present National Assembly's functioning did not reflect people's aspirations, Geo News quoted him as saying at the gathering.

He said the winds of change in the political system have started blowing, and this gathering is the "first drop of the rain (for change)" against the government.

Qureshi said today's youth looks towards Imran Khan because they were in desperate need of a leadership.

The former minister said he had set off on his new journey by opposing the plans of granting diplomatic indemnity to Rayomnd Davis, an under cover CIA agent, who was arrested in Lahore in February for killing two Pakistani nationals.

He was freed after paying blood-money to the families of the slain men.