PTI claims it has secured 132 seats in Punjab after more independents join the party

E-Paper | July 18, 2026

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) declared on Sunday that it has successfully obtained 132 seats in Punjab since the July 25 elections, thereby making it the largest party in the province.

Both the PTI and PML-N are embroiled in a tussle for control of Punjab. PML-N was previously in the lead with 129 seats, while the PTI was on its heels with 123 seats.

Muhammad Salman being welcomed into the party by PTI chief Imran Khan. —Photo by the author

The latest count is a result of the inclusion of nine independent candidates, of whom four joined the PTI on Saturday and five on Sunday.

The five independent candidates to join the party on Sunday were Syed Saeedul Hasan from PP-46 Narowal-I, Raja Sagheer Ahmed from PP-7 Rawalpindi-II, Muhammad Salman from PP-217 Multan-VII, Muhammad Ajmal Cheema from PP-97 Faisalabad-I, and Abdul Hai Dasti from Muzaffargarh-III.

At least 149 directly elected MPAs are required to form a government. With the addition of reserved and minority seats, at least 185 out of a total of 371 seats are required to form a government in Punjab.

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malik

Jul 29, 2018 08:07pm

I thank to the independents to join PTI.It seems you are sincere to Pakistan and the poor.

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M. Saeed

Jul 29, 2018 08:10pm

Another Zardari-trade in the offing after Senate. Waiting for the PP vote to decide the real tilt in Punjab.

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Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad

Jul 29, 2018 08:18pm

Welcome to the club. Keep it up and hang on tough.

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JustWasif

Jul 29, 2018 08:29pm

Horse trading.....

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junaid

Jul 29, 2018 08:31pm

best of luck to PTI , save from the looters

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Anti-Corruption_Pakistani

Jul 29, 2018 08:34pm

It looks that PTI will form both national and provisional governments in Punjab, and I am sure Imran Khan and his designated teams will produce tangible results. We need a strong leader to handle political and financial mess created by both PMLN and PPP during the last 10 years or so - enough is enough, no more corrupt mafia!

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Mohsin

Jul 29, 2018 08:51pm

Sources within PTI are stating the Aleem Khan is basically buying these candidates with crores of rupees. But the condition is that they will all put pressure on Imran Khan to make Aleem Khan as the governor Punjab. Also half of these independent candidates will get some form of ministry irrespective of their qualifications.

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Kamran Haq

Jul 29, 2018 08:58pm

This is great news. All the best to Imran Khan, PTI and all of Pakistan! We are feeling optimistic

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Big John

Jul 29, 2018 09:14pm

As Punjab goes, so goes the nation.

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De facto politician

Jul 29, 2018 09:28pm

Horse trading, choosing electables, MOUs & understanding are all incensed and hallmarks of Pak system, IK please clarify where is your promise to change status quo.

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Azam

Jul 29, 2018 09:56pm

Power politics at it’s best...

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Omair

Jul 29, 2018 10:13pm

A man disqualified for corruption is brokering deals for naya pakistan. Great start!

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Raheel

Jul 29, 2018 10:16pm

Great news and a nice slap in face of the corrupt PMLN

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Citizen

Jul 29, 2018 10:36pm

But situation also seems difficult for forming government at federal level.

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Amir liaqat

Jul 29, 2018 10:37pm

so many new people are elected just because of imran khan.....these new people have never even held any post previously and are going to try to fly the blasted economy without engine or fuel

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Sid

Jul 29, 2018 10:41pm

Congraluations Guys - don’t forget model town - bring those culprits to justice including the police officials involved in killing innocent people

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naeem malik

Jul 29, 2018 11:43pm

all efforts should be made to break the monopoly of pmln

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Ahsan Gul

Jul 29, 2018 11:44pm

Hopefully, Punjab has genuine and real progress. Incompetent politicians had been running government there.

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My Advice

Jul 30, 2018 12:00am

Who ever may form the government in provinces or at the federal level, now people are fully aware of power of their vote. If the party does not perform to solve peoples problem, they would be out. Same as what happened to two large parties of the past. So, get in their and work hard for the people and country, not for making money or influence peddling. Thank you.

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Aman

Jul 30, 2018 02:16am

PPP and PMLN are tested repeatedly. This is time Imran Khan should be allowed to form Punjab government only if PTI and PML-N are allowed to show their strength in Punjab Assembly and whoever wins should form the Punjab government. I hope Inshallah PTI will form the Punjab government so Imran can successfully execute his agenda of reforming entire Pakistan. Long Live Imran Khan.

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Javed

Jul 30, 2018 02:41am

Why Imran Khan not talking or paying attention to the corruption in sindh. He is turning his all attention to Punjab. At least Nawaz brought peace in entire sindh. Let see what Ik does for sindh. Lyari already proved and took a big risk for Imran let’s see if he is any different then ppp or Mqm for karachi.

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Jul 30, 2018 05:06am

The independents in Punjab and else where will join Imran Khan for the sake of building the Naya Pakistan. All family owned politics is now no more than a bad chapter in the history

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Khaja

Jul 30, 2018 05:11am

PTI started horse trading. So sad to see.

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Javed

Jul 30, 2018 06:13am

InshaAllah

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kashif pasha

Jul 30, 2018 08:02pm

@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad Always great to hear from you Sir.

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