ISLAMABAD (Daily Point) — Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif has expressed a willingness to sit in the opposition if independent candidates, supported by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), can demonstrate a majority to form a government in the Centre.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Shehbaz Sharif stated, “If PTI-sponsored candidates can show a majority in the National Assembly, then they should form a government. We will accept them happily; otherwise, we will use our constitutional and legal rights.”

Highlighting the PML-N’s majority in Punjab and its significant presence in the Centre, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned that the party, with 80 members after gaining support from independents, is open to more independent lawmakers joining. Despite PML-N falling short of a majority, Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed that party supremo Nawaz Sharif remains their candidate for the prime ministerial post, asserting, “I am still standing by my words that Nawaz Sharif will become the prime minister for the fourth time.”

Shehbaz Sharif extended an invitation to all parties to participate in forming a coalition government in the Centre, emphasizing the widespread participation of Pakistani citizens, including women, members of religious and ethnic minority groups, and youth, in the February 8 polls.

The election results for the National Assembly, with 265 seats up for grabs, show independent candidates securing 92 seats, followed by PML-N with 75, and PPP with 54. Shehbaz Sharif praised the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for conducting the elections, underlining the importance of adhering to the constitutional process for government formation. PTI’s Latif Khosa clarified on Monday that his party would not pursue a coalition government based on past experiences.