PTI-backed independent defects to PML-N

In a major blow to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), its newly-elected independent National Assembly member from Lahore, Wasim Qadir, joined the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday. Qadir, who served as the General Secretary of PTI Lahore, met with PML-N Senior Vice President and Chief Organiser Maryam Nawaz Sharif to formalise his switch, a day after three newly-elected independents joined the PML-N. During the meeting, also attended by prominent PML-N leader Malik Saiful Malook Khokhar, Qadir reposed his full confidence in the leadership of PML-N Quaid Nawaz Sharif. He said that his decision stemmed from extensive consultations with his constituents and close associates. Read more: ECP stops announcements in 26 poll results Qadir, a PTI-backed independent candidate won the February 8 elections from NA-121, Lahore, securing 78,703 votes against PML-N’s Sheikh Rohail Asghar, who bagged 70,597 votes. Previously, Qadir was the PTI secretary general for Lahore. “I have returned my home for the development and progress of the people of my constituency. I have again joined PML-N,” Qadir said in a video statement, shared by PML-N on its X handle. Maryam Nawaz Sharif welcomed Qadir's decision. قومی اسمبلی حلقہ NA-121 لاہور سے کامیاب آزاد امیدوار وسیم قادر کا باضابطہ طور پر پاکستان مسلم لیگ (ن) میں شمولیت کا اعلان۔#ElectionResults2024 pic.twitter.com/fQTF2LSmhc — PMLN (@pmln_org) February 11, 2024