PTI’s Political Fortunes Falter as Independent Lawmakers Switch Allegiance in Punjab

Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has faced setbacks as three independent members-elect of Punjab’s provincial assembly, previously aligned with PTI, have defected to a rival party in the strategically significant province. Concurrently, Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has bolstered its ranks by securing the support of additional independent lawmakers, strengthening its position in both the national and provincial assemblies.

The defection of PTI-backed members to Aleem Khan’s Istehkham-i-Pakistan Party (IPP) underscores shifting political dynamics in Punjab, with implications for the balance of power at both regional and national levels. As PTI struggles to retain its hold, PML-N and its ally IPP are strategically leveraging independent lawmakers to consolidate their influence and diminish PTI’s sway in future governance structures.

Despite PTI’s current lead in the National Assembly, these defections pose challenges to its ability to form a stable government, paving the way for PML-N’s resurgence under Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership.