Pakistan: PML-N Gains Momentum As Independent Candidates Backed By PTI Switch Allegiance, More Expected to Follow

Nawaz Sharif's PML-N has strengthened its parliamentary support by gaining the allegiance of an independent candidate previously supported by Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI).

Wasim Qadir, who secured victory over PML-N's veteran Sheikh Rohail Asghar in Lahore's National Assembly-121 constituency with PTI's backing, chose to join PML-N after a meeting with Maryam Nawaz, according to a report from The Indian Express.

According to the same report, efforts to attract other PTI-backed winners to join the Sharif-led party have been ongoing, with more candidates expected to make the switch in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Following the post-election count, which showed independent candidates supported by Imran Khan's party leading, PTI is seeking to forge an alliance with another political party to form the government, as reported by Dawn.

PTI leader Gohar Khan stated that the party will not be seeking alliances with Nawaz Sharif's PML-N or Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari's PPP.

Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto and PPP President Asif Ali Zardari held discussions with PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday, and both parties have tentatively agreed to collaborate to prevent political instability in the country.

The leaders discussed the country's overall situation and potential political cooperation in the future, as stated in the release by PML-N President.

According to the final tally on the Election Commission's website, Independents backed by Khan have secured 101 of the 264 seats, followed by Nawaz Sharif's PML-N with 75 seats, and the Pakistan People's Party with 54 seats.

Earlier, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir had called upon the country's politically divided leadership to establish a "unified government of all democratic forces," following what appeared to be a hung Parliament in the wake of the general elections results.