At least 18-20 newly-elected MNAs assure support to PML-N, PPP

• PTI leaders say that it is all nonsense, disinformation.
• These MNAs will join coalition government in National Assembly.
• After polls, several political parties, independents made contacts.

ISLAMABAD: At least 18 to 20 independent candidates, who won National Assembly seats, have expressed willingness to support the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in forming a coalition government.

Citing sources, The News reported that the MNAs elect expected to join the PMLN-PPP coalition government hailed from south Punjab, Balochistan and Rawalpindi. The sources said the PPP and PML-N had approached multiple winning independent candidates.

“These MNAs will join the coalition government in the NA. It is also possible that they are brought forward even before it,” they said.

Sources in the parties said that the number of independent members joining the alliance could increase further.

The PPP has kept all its options open and is focusing most of its attention on getting the support of the independent candidates. According to sources, after the elections, there has been an increase in contacts between the political parties and independent candidates for government formation. 

When contacted, senior PTI leaders said that it was all nonsense. “Disinformation is being spread about the issue. Any elected member of the National Assembly supported by PTI will not back any other party because everyone has seen the fate of former chief ministers Pervez Khattak, Mehmood Khan and other leaders,” they added.