Islamabad- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) announced its plans to form the government in both the Centre and Punjab on Tuesday, aligning with the Majlis-e-Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM) and with the Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Currently, PTI-backed candidates hold more than 90 seats in the National Assembly of Pakistan, surpassing the PML-N with 75 seats and the PPP with 54, out of a total of 266 seats in the lower house. Including the 70 reserved seats, the total number of seats rises to 336.
To secure a simple majority, a party needs at least 169 seats in the National Assembly. By joining with the MWM, PTI-backed candidates could potentially acquire over 20 reserve seats, proportional to their total number of seats in the Pakistan National Assembly.
According to Express News, In order to obtain reserve seats after aligning with the MWM, PTI-backed candidates must submit affidavits to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) affirming their affiliation with the MWM. Additionally, the head of the MWM must provide written confirmation to the ECP accepting the independent candidates.
The announcement from PTI came shortly after JI Deputy Amir Liaquat Baloch confirmed ongoing discussions between the two parties regarding government formation. Baloch revealed a telephonic exchange with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar, Ali Amin Gandapur, and Senator Azam Swati, during which JI expressed consent for joint action.
Sources suggest that leaders from both parties will convene in Islamabad soon to discuss further details and explore available options for government formation or opposition roles.
“We are in touch with PTI leaders, if PTI needs JI to protect their independent candidates, we will welcome them,” said Baloch in an interview with Express News. “As a political party, we are open and don’t have any demands; PTI has yet to put forward their demands.”