Imran’s PTI may invite PM for oath ceremony

The PTI has an open support of 168 and needs 172 to win a simple majority. PML- Q leaders called on Imran to pledg support in Punjab

Lahore, July 31: Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek- i- Insaf ( PTI) is considering inviting the leaders of Saarc countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to his oath taking ceremony as the premier next month, a party official said.

The PTI, led by 65- yearold Khan, has emerged as the single largest party in the National Assembly after the July 25 elections, but it is still short of numbers to form the government on its own. Mr Khan said on Monday that he would take oath as Prime Minister on August 11.

“The core committee of Tehreek- i- Insaf is considering inviting the Saarc heads, including Mr Modi, and a decision on this is expected shortly,” a PTI leader said. He also termed Mr Modi’s telephone call to Mr Khan on his victory a welcoming sign to begin a new chapter in relations between the two countries.

Mr Modi telephoned Mr Khan on Monday to congratulate him on his party’s victory and hoped that “Pakistan and India will work to open a new chapter in bilateral ties”. Mr Khan reportedly said, “Wars and bloodshed instead of resolving disputes lead to tragedies”.

Pakistan Tehrik- e- Insaf ( PTI) chief Imran Khan believes he has the required numbers to form the government. The PTI has an open support of 168 and needs 172 to win a simple majority.

After getting massive support from independent members- elect in Punjab, PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry claimed to have secured majority at centre and announced to form government.

Mr Chaudhry said that PTI has got support of as many as 168 lawmakers in National Assembly and 180 lawmakers in Punjab Assembly.

Earlier, Pakistan Muslim League Quaid’s ( PMLQ) leaders Chaudhry Shujat Hussain and Pervez Elahi called on PM- in- waiting Imran Khan at his residence in Bani Gala and pledged support to him in Punjab.

Mr Elahi said that he will retain his seat in Punjab Assembly while relinquishing both seats of NA. He overtly rejected the stance that Pakistan Muslim League ( Nawaz) enjoys majority in the province. He said he had never practiced politics of blackmailing and would never do so in the future.

The PTI had won 116 of the 270 National Assembly seats, emerging as the largest political party in the country. The PMLN grabbed 64 seats, while the Pakistan People’s Party ( PPP) was in third place with 43 NA seats.