ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party which emerged as the leading political party after the historic May 11 polls in Pakistan, now also enjoys simple majority in the lower house of the parliament when 18 independents announced their affiliations with the party on Sunday.

The independent MNA-elects announced to join the ruling party in waiting before the Election Commission’s allotted time expired on Sunday.

The PML-N had bagged 126 National Assembly seats in the general elections and now with 18 independents, the party has a total of 144 seats. With 37 potential reserved seats for women and minorities, the party’s total strength in the NA is expected to reach 181.

For simple majority in the National Assembly, the PML-N needed only 172 seats.

Meanwhile, the party has nominated its chief Nawaz Sharif for the prime minister’s slot for the third time.

The decision was taken at an informal meeting of the PML-N’s leaders, which will be endorsed by the party’s parliamentary committee through a resolution within next two to three days.