The party had won 137 seats in the Punjab Assembly in February 8’s elections. However, independents, including those backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, had gained 138 seats.

Now however, the PMLN claims that its number has swelled to 160 with the addition of independent members. Sources within the party have also expressed optimisim that more independents could join its ranks in the coming days.

Sources also said on Monday that the Punjab Assembly’s session is likely to be called in the last week of February. The official date of the session is likely to be called in the next two to three days.

By law, the first session of the assembly has to be called within 21 days of the election. The first session includes election for the speaker as well as the leader of the house.