Punjab government battle: PTI number game reaches 142

LAHORE – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is leading the number game for Punjab government formation with 134 seats as more independents have announced to join the party. With 8 members from PMLQ the total tally reaches 142, still 7 short of magic number of 149.

At least 149 seats are required to form government in Punjab. PML-N had secured 129 seats and PTI had taken 123 seats in recently held general elections. However, the count for PTI has escalated to 134 after its leaders managed to convince the independent MPAs-elect.

Ajmal Cheema and Malik Umar Farooq from Faisalabad, Abdul Hayee from Muzaffarabad, Raja Sagheer, Syed Ahsan Shah and Salman Naeem met PTI Chief Imran Khan in Bani Gala.

Meanwhile, PTI’s Naeem-ul-Haque had also claimed that the party enjoys support of independents in Punjab and the PML-N will have to sit on the opposition benches in the provincial assembly.

He said the people fully expressed their opinion in the general elections. He said Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf has emerged as the second largest party in Sindh province.

On the other hand, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q), while refusing to support PML-N, also shook hands with PT