Atleast 14 independent candidates in contact with PTI for Punjab government: Sources

Atleast 14 independent candidates in contact with PTI for Punjab government: Sources

ISLAMABAD - In the face of close competition between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to form government in Punjab, independent candidates will pray a crucial role in forming the government in the country's largest province.

Out of the total 297 seats, a total of 149 seats are required to form the government in Punjab. With 66 seats reserved for women and eight for minorities, PML-N requires 22 of the remaining seats. Similarly, PTI will need 26 independent candidates or members of other parties to join it in order to form the government in the province.

With 27 seats, independent candidates are the third largest group in the Punjab Assembly. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has bagged six seats and Pakistan Muslim League-Q has secured seven. With one seat each, Balochistan Awami Party, PML-Functional, and Pakistan Awami Raj will also represent their voters in the Punjab Assembly.

Sources familiar with the matter have revealed that PTI has invited 14 independent candidates to join the party so far. Party leader Jahangir Tareen and Chaudhry Sarwar are in contact with others.