28 independent MNAs-elect notify Election Commission of joining PTI

As many as 28 independent winning candidates of the National Assembly today notified the Election Commission of joining the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, giving a major boost to Imran Khan's party which can now claim more seats reserved for women and minorities.

The ECP had earlier said that those elected as independents can join a party of their choice by August 9 or continue to maintain their independent position. The political parties will be allotted 60 seats reserved for women and 10 for minorities on the basis of their final tally of elected members.

According to Express News, since the Election Commission has officially notified the public and winners from 815 out of 849 constituencies, and issued notifications, the process of joining parties has begun.

Citing sources, it said that 29 notifications have been received by the election commission out of which 28 are of those joining the PTI.

With 28 independents joining Khan's party, the tally of elected members of his party has risen to 144.

Today was the last day for independents to officially join parties.

Khan, 65, is set to become Pakistan's new prime minister next week.

The party has already claimed to have crossed the magical figure of 172 required to secure simple majority in the 342-seat National Assembly.