Two successful independent candidates in the 2024 general elections have announced their decision to align with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), thereby bolstering the party’s standing in the National Assembly (NA).
Emerging from the shadows, the independent candidates have secured a noteworthy 102 seats in the National Assembly (NA). Notably, among these victorious candidates are individuals who initially received party tickets only after the rejection of their party’s more favored nominees.
With results declared for 257 out of the total 265 National Assembly constituencies where elections were conducted, the independents have taken the lead with 102 seats. The PML-N and PPP have secured 73 and 54 seats, respectively, positioning themselves to secure a majority of the 70 reserved seats for women and non-Muslims in the assembly.
In this electoral landscape, the Muttahida Qaumi Movement has claimed 17 seats, while the PML-Q has garnered three. The JUI-F and Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) have secured three and two seats, respectively, with MWM and BNP each clinching one seat.
Simultaneously, two independent candidates, one from Islamabad and another from Rawalpindi, have thrown their support behind the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N.
Barrister Aqeel Malik, victorious in Rawalpindi’s NA-54, attributes the success to Nawaz Sharif. Conversely, Raja Khurram, who secured victory in Islamabad’s NA-48, was a joint candidate for IPP and PML-N.
Earlier reports indicated that the PML-N had initiated contact with ‘disgruntled’ candidates who contested the 2024 general elections independently and emerged victorious. The party aims to strengthen its position in the National Assembly (NA) through these efforts.
Sources suggest that the PML-N plans to reach out to 12 such ‘disgruntled’ candidates, who initially contested independently after not receiving party tickets. If these members align with the PML-N, it would further fortify the party’s position.
