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

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

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

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