“For the development of my constituency and my people, I have joined the Muslim League-Noon again,” says Qadir.
- Qadir once again joins PML-N for the “development” of the people.
- He announces this after meeting PML-N top leader Maryam.
- “I have returned home,” says Qadir, the former PTI leader.
Pakistani independent candidate Waseem Qadir, backed by Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who had won the elections February 8 elections from National Assembly constituency NA-121 in Lahore, has announced his joining the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
In a video statement released by the Nawaz Sharif-led party, Qadir could be seen with PML-N leaders, including chief organizer Maryam Nawaz, and saying he was “back home”.
The loss of the Lahore seat, which Qadir won by defeating Sheikh Rohail Asgher of the PML-N by a margin of over 8,000 votes, is a major setback for the PTI, as the PML-N and the People's Party of Pakistan have already said. Pakistan (PPP). who will seek the support of independent candidates to come to power.
“I am Waseem Qadir. I was the general secretary of the PTI in Lahore. I have returned home,” said the former PTI leader, who is the first elected member to leave the party after the elections.
“For the development of my constituency and my people, I have joined the Noon Muslim League again,” Qadir said.
Former Prime Minister Nawaz's party is in second place with 79 seats after Thursday's vote and lacks a clear majority, but is the largest party in parliament as Imran Khan-backed independents stood as individuals.
Following the election results, both the PTI and PML-N declared victory, adding to uncertainty as the country faces numerous urgent challenges, including negotiating a new International Monetary Fund program to keep a sagging economy afloat. difficulties.
A prime ministerial candidate must win a simple majority of 169 seats in the National Assembly when the chamber convenes in the coming days. This will be determined by coalition talks and whether Khan-backed candidates can join a smaller party in parliament to form a single bloc and win reserve seats.
In the run-up to the elections, Qadir campaigned and asked people to vote for him as he was the candidate of the imprisoned Khan.
Before the elections, the PTI had warned that the independents might change allegiance, but at the same time hoped that they would not abandon the party.
