GILGIT, Oct 26: The Pakistan Muslim League has emerged as the largest party in the Northern Areas Legislative Council after another (ninth) independent member, Himayatullah, who won the NA-1 (Gilgit) seat, joined the party.

This was announced by Mr Himayatullah on Monday in the presence of a large number of PML leaders.

He said he taken the decision because he considered it the need of the hour to join the PML for strengthening the hands of the president who was fighting terrorism and extremism in country.

He vowed to contribute to President Musharraf's efforts to make Pakistan a modern and enlightened Pakistan side by side President Gen Pervez Musharraf.

The candidate also vowed to work for development of the Northern Areas.