Winner in Punjab to form Govt at the Center in Pakistan: Experts

A fierce battle is expected between PML-N's imprisoned prime minister Nawaz Sharif and politician Imran Khan cricket in Punjab during the July 25 general election, while the eastern province, with more than 100 million inhabitants, will decide who the next government in Islamabad.

Of the 272 seats in the National Assembly, 141 fall in Punjab, the most populous province of the country.

"Anyone who gets majority seats in Punjab will form the government at the Center," said Dr. Syed Farooq Hasnat, a renowned political badyst.

Unlike the 2013 elections when PML-N won an overwhelming majority in Punjab, this time there will be a close fight between PML-N and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (), he said.

"I believe he's ahead of PML-N in Punjab, but how much he's ahead will be known on July 25," Hasnat said.

They need at least 110 seats in the National Assembly (AN) across Pakistan to form a formidable coalition government. Nearly 140 seats are needed for one party to form the government.

"It is easy to predict who is leading in the southern part of Punjab with 46 NA but there is a close fight between and PML-N in the central and northern parts that will determine the fate of both parties" Hasnat said.

The Pakistan People's Party (PPP), which won only two NA seats in the 2013 elections, is barely visible in the race.

"The PPP is unlikely to show better performances in the upcoming polls, it is simply not in the race in Punjab to discuss it, but the PPP directs the rest parties in Sindh province and seize as many NA seats as possible from there, "he said.

Hasnat is of the opinion that if he fails to get the majority in Punjab, it will be very difficult for him to form the government at the Center.

"Apparently, it seems like a weak coalition government will be formed after the July 25 elections that will not be good for the country's economy," he said.

The PML-N's Central Information Secretary, Senator Mushahidullah Khan, said that those who think that PML-N can be sent to Punjab live in idiotic paradise.

"See any recent survey or the realities of the field in Punjab we are able to repeat the result of 2013 – sweeping the Punjab," he said, adding that Sharif's account – give respect to the ballot – made people believe they must stand against those forces that do not respect their vote and reject an elected prime minister.
"The response of the people to our gatherings especially in Punjab shows who will win. The campaign of this campaign is only about the media. We will consecrate more than 100 NA seats in Punjab and form the government at the Center," said Mushahidullah.

The people will vote for the PML-N on July 25 and ensure freedom for Sharif and her daughter Maryam Nawaz who are serving their 10- and 7-year sentence in the Evenfield corruption case at Adiala Jail Rawalpindi, he said.

Chief of Staff Shafqat Mahmood disputed Mushahidullah's claim, saying that no investigation by local and international organizations has been referred to as PML-N's favorite in Wednesday's polls .

"People have decided to vote for Khan, to vote for change, PML-N has been in business for three decades, now people want to change, we will at least win 90 seats in the Punjab and sweep the polls. Kyber Pakhtaunkhwa, we will train the government at the Center with a single majority (140 seats), "said Mahmood.

According to the Electoral Commission, more than 3,400 candidates will vie for 272 general seats in the National Assembly, while 8,400 will run for 577 general seats in the four provincial bademblies.

The National Assembly is a democratically elected body comprising a total of 342 members, of which 272 are directly elected, 60 are reserved for women and 10 for religious minorities.