PTI, MWM said to be in talks for ‘alliance’ in Centre, Punjab

The Majlis Wahdatul Muslimeen (MWM), who have had a long-standing relationship with the PTI since the latter’s sit-in outside Parliament House in 2014, are also said to be in the mix.

Sources in both parties told Dawn the possibility of PTI-backed independents merging with MWM in a bid to maintain discipline among its cadre and grab reserved seats for women and minorities.

Hameed Hussain of the MWM has been able to win one NA seat from NA-37 Kurram (Parachinar) with 58,650, defeating Sajid Turi of the PPP, who got 54,384 votes.

Incidentally, the MWM is also in a position to provide the same benefit to the PTI in the Punjab Assembly, with the presence of its candidate Raja Asad Abbas, who won from PP-18 Rawalpindi.

The Punjab Assembly has 297 general seats, with 66 reserved for women and eight for non-Muslims.

By joining the MWM or any other party, the PTI could gain around 24 women MPAs in Punjab.

PTI Central Information Secretary Raoof Hassan told Dawn the subject had been discussed heavily in party meetings and several options were on the table.

“Our first priority was to establish our party,” he said, but did not elaborate how they will be able to do that.

Mr Hassan added that a decision on whether their lawmakers would join the MWM or any other party, or remain independent, will taken in the coming days.

However, MWM Political Affairs Secretary Asad Naqvi said that there were no negotiations underway with the PTI leadership in this regard.