Is it possible for PTI to establish governments in Center, Punjab? -

ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) — Barrister Gohar Ali Khan of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has asserted the party’s capability to establish governments both in the Center and Punjab, alongside Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

However, an analysis of PTI’s position in the National Assembly (NA) and Punjab Assembly reveals significant obstacles to realizing this claim.

National Assembly:

PTI emerged as the largest party in the National Assembly with 96 general seats won by its supported independent candidates. Nevertheless, the party faces hurdles in forming a government in the Center due to insufficient seats. PTI lacks the required 133 general seats for a simple majority in the NA, and its independent candidates winning seats pose a challenge in securing a coalition. Moreover, PTI’s prospects for obtaining reserved seats are uncertain, further complicating its path to power. Despite the potential for a coalition with the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), PTI has ruled out such an alliance, making the task of forming a government even more daunting. Conversely, parties like Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N), PPP, and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan (MQM-P) are better positioned to establish a coalition government, with their combined seats surpassing the majority threshold.

Punjab Assembly:

In the Punjab Assembly, PTI-backed independent candidates secured 116 seats out of the 297 general seats, falling short of the majority mark. With 22 independent candidates not affiliated with PTI, the party faces challenges in garnering support for a coalition government. PML-N, on the other hand, has emerged as the leading party in the Punjab Assembly with 137 general seats, placing it in a stronger position to form a government. The potential addition of independent candidates to PML-N’s ranks, coupled with support from allied parties, further solidifies its chances of establishing dominance in the assembly.

While PTI may boast of its ability to form governments, the political landscape presents formidable barriers to its aspirations in both the Center and Punjab.