LAHORE, March 20: The PML-Q forward bloc is only three members away from attaining majority in the Punjab Assembly and laying claim to the post of opposition leader, Najaf Sial claimed on Thursday.

Talking to Dawn, he said the PML-Q had 84 members in the Punjab Assembly and any one with a support of 43 members could become leader of the opposition. The bloc currently enjoys support of 40 members and is in touch with a few more.

He insisted that more than 43 members would meet at Jalal Dhaku’s house in Jauhar Town a day before the session and finalise the strategy. Some 25 hardcore supporters of the forward bloc met at a dinner and 16 more members expressed their support for the bloc.

Only three more members were required to claim the leader of opposition slot, he claimed, and added: “After getting the post, the bloc will play role of friendly opposition to the PML-N; criticising it when required and supporting it in the matters of national interest. The bloc would retain its party affiliation with the PML-Q and not join any other party.