PML-N likely to secure 135 seats in Feb 8 elections: survey

Pakistan is all set to hold the general elections on February 8 (tomorrow), the survey report of the government organisation declared Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) as the favourite party and indicated its 'victory in elections'.

The report consisted of information collected from police sources, the revenue department, labour unions, and interviews with experts.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) came in second position in the most-favourite parties list followed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), who secured third position.

As per the report, the popularity of PML-N soared after the return of party supremo Nawaz Sharif in October last year.

Nawaz Sharif ended his self-imposed exile and came back to Pakistan to run the election campaign for his party.

Following his return to Pakistan, the courts acquitted him in the Aveinfield reference and Al-Azizia case.

According to the survey, PML-N is likely to win 115-132 National Assembly seats with the addition ofreserved seats for women and minorities. The party could form its government with a simple majority. 

The report added that the three-time ruling party is likely to win 190 seats out of 297 Punjab assembly seats.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, PML-N will form a coalition government, it said.

The report further stated that the PPP is expected to secure 35 to 40 seats, however, the party is likely to make government in Sindh with a simple majority. 

PTI, who was stripped of its iconic bat symbol and fielded its candidates as independent, is likely to win 23 to 29 NA seats.

MQM-P is expected to win 12-14 seats, followed by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) 6-8 seats, Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid), and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) 2 to 3 seats.