Independent MPA-elect Rana Liaqat joined the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) on Monday. Liaqat, who had won election from PP-39, expressed full faith in PML-N’s leadership during a meeting held earlier in the day. Senior party leader and former foreign minister Khawaja Asif was also present at the meeting. The candidate is a former PML-N member. The decision comes at a critical time, as PML-N looks to form the government in Punjab – once the party’s stronghold. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has threatened PML-N’s decade-old rule in Punjab. With the difference of just six seats, both parties have actively pursued independent candidates and other political parties to form government in the country’s largest province. Published in Daily Times, August 7th 2018.