ISLAMABAD: The ruling alliance in the National Assembly has achieved a critical two-thirds majority following the formal allocation of reserved seats for women and minorities, according to the latest notification issued by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The coalition’s total strength has climbed from 218 to 235 seats, further solidifying its legislative authority.
PML-N Leads the Surge
The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has emerged as the biggest beneficiary of the seat allocation process. Its tally has increased from 110 to 123 seats, driven by the addition of 12 more women’s reserved seats — taking its count from 20 to 32 — and one more minority seat, pushing that total to five. The party already held 86 general seats.
PPP, JUI-F Also Strengthen Positions
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) also saw gains, with its overall seat count rising from 70 to 74. It now holds 55 general seats, 16 women’s seats (up by three), and three minority seats (increased by one).
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) boosted its National Assembly presence from 8 to 10 seats. It now includes six general, three women’s, and one minority seat.
Other Coalition Parties
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MQM-P holds 22 seats in total: 17 general, 4 women’s, and 1 minority.
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PML-Q has 5 seats: 4 general and 1 minority.
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Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party holds 4 seats: 3 general and 1 women’s.
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BAP, PML-Z, and National Party each retain 1 general seat.
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4 independents are aligned with the treasury benches.
Opposition Numbers
The opposition benches have slightly increased from 96 to 98 seats. The Sunni Ittehad Council (backed by PTI) remains the dominant opposition force with 80 general seats. They are joined by:
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5 independents
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JUI-F’s 10 seats (noted above)
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BNP, Majlis Wahdat-ul-Muslimeen, and PkMAP with 1 seat each
Seat Restoration and Legal Implications
In total, 19 reserved seats — including 3 minority positions — have been restored. Of these:
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PML-N received 12 women’s and 1 minority seat
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PPP gained 3 women’s and 1 minority seat
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JUI-F secured 1 women’s and 1 minority seat
However, three seats were withheld due to legal and procedural reasons:
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Sadaf Ehsan’s seat remains unfilled due to a Supreme Court decision following a JUI-F objection.
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Sobia Shahid and Shehla Bano of PML-N were not reinstated, as they had already taken oath as members of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.
The updated numbers reinforce the ruling alliance’s control of the legislature, allowing it to pass constitutional amendments and key reforms with greater ease.
