QUETTA: Former Balochistan Assembly speaker Mohammad Aslam Bhootani has denied rumours of joining PPP and called it propaganda by his political opponents. “These rumours are part of a propaganda campaign by my adversaries, and there is no truth to the reports of my joining PPP,” said Mr Bhootani in a statement issued from London, where is undergoing medical treatment. He criticised his political rivals for resorting to underhanded tactics after failing to deseat the local government representatives he had supported, including chairman, vice chairman, and councillors, through no-confidence motions. He alleged that his opponents, frustrated by their inability to succeed politically, sought assistance from “unseen forces” through their Islamabad-based leadership. “These unseen forces created pressures and challenges for our local government representatives, forcing us to advise them to make their own decisions if they couldn’t endure the unfair treatment. Despite this, we commend those friends and allies who stood steadfastly by our side in the face of such injustices,” he added. He also expressed gratitude to the political parties that supported him during the local government elections, particularly JUI as well as National Party’s district leadership. He reiterated his commitment to standing firm in the political arena upon his return.