Key points
- Thirteen seats up for grabs across the National and Punjab assemblies as political heavyweights clash in PTI strongholds
- Polling opened at 8:00 a.m. Today, Voting is scheduled to continue until 5:00 p.m. local time
- The elections are being conducted under heightened security measures, with authorities deploying additional personnel to ensure a peaceful voting process
- The by-elections will fill vacant seats left due to resignations, disqualifications, or other administrative reasons
- Election officials reported that polling stations opened on time, and voter turnout is being closely monitored throughout the day
- Results are expected after the conclusion of voting and the subsequent counting process
- These by-elections come at a politically sensitive moment for Pakistan, with major parties viewing the contests as a test of their current standing and public support
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is witnessing a tense round of by-elections today (Sunday), with fierce contests underway across 13 constituencies—six National Assembly and seven Punjab Assembly seats—many of which were vacated following the disqualification of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmakers in cases linked to the May 9, 2023, violent riots.
Polling stations have been opened across key districts, including Haripur, Faisalabad, Chak Jhumra, Muzaffargarh, Sargodha, Dera Ghazi Khan and Lahore. The polling opened at 8:00 a.m. today, and voting is scheduled to continue until 5:00 p.m. local time.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), election materials have been delivered safely and strict security protocols are in place to ensure transparent and uninterrupted polling.
Haripur (NA-18): A Crowded Battle in a PTI Bastion
In Haripur, nine candidates are competing for NA-18, a constituency with more than 753,000 registered voters. PTI-backed independent Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan and PPP’s Erum Fatima are seen as the main contenders. The seat fell vacant following the disqualification of PTI leader Omar Ayub Khan.
Faisalabad: Four Seats, Intense Activity
Faisalabad is witnessing some of the busiest polling of the day, with four seats—NA-96, NA-104, PP-116 and PP-115—up for election.
NA-96 features 16 candidates, where PML-N’s Talal Badar Chaudhry faces numerous independents. The seat opened up after PTI’s Rai Haider Ali Kharal was unseated.
NA-104 has a smaller field, with PML-N’s Raja Daniyal facing four independent candidates. It was previously held by SIC Chairman Sahibzada Hamid Raza before his disqualification.
PP-116 sees PML-N’s Rana Shehryar contesting against five independents for a seat vacated after Muhammad Ismail Sila’s disqualification.
PP-115 features PML-N’s Tahir Jamil as the primary contender, competing against four independents following the removal of PTI’s Sheikh Shahid Javed.
Chak Jhumra (PP-98): Tight Contest Expected
Ten candidates are vying for PP-98, where a close race is anticipated between PML-N’s Azad Ali Tabbasum and independent candidate Muhammad Ajmal Cheema. The seat became vacant after PTI’s Junaid Afzal Sahi was unseated and later sentenced in a May 9 case.
Muzaffargarh (PP-269): Seventeen Candidates in the Field
A packed slate of 17 candidates is contesting PP-269. PPP’s Alamdar Abbas Qureshi faces tough competition from independents Iqbal Khan and Abdul Hai Dasti.
Sargodha (PP-73): PML-N Leads in a Five-Way Contest
Five candidates are running for PP-73, where PML-N’s Mian Sultan Ali Ranjha is competing against four independents. The seat was vacated following PTI’s Ansar Iqbal Heral’s disqualification and subsequent sentencing.
Dera Ghazi Khan (NA-185): PML-N vs PPP
In NA-185, eight candidates are in the fray, with a close battle expected between PML-N’s Mahmood Qadir Leghari and PPP’s Sardar Dost Muhammad Khosa. The seat was left open after the disqualification of former PTI lawmaker Zartaj Gul Wazir.
Lahore (NA-129): Key Showdown in Punjab’s Capital
NA-129 is drawing significant attention as PTI and PML-N face off in a critical urban constituency. The seat fell vacant after the death of former Punjab Governor Mian Muhammad Azhar, who won as a PTI-backed independent in 2024 before joining the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).
Chaudhry Arsalan Ahmad—nominated by Azhar’s nephew, former minister Hammad Azhar—is up against PML-N’s Hafiz Mian Nauman, who lost the 2024 contest by more than 30,000 votes.
Security and Media Protocols in Place
The ECP has issued strict guidelines for security forces, who are deployed in three tiers: police as first responders, civil armed forces on standby, and the Pakistan Army serving as a third-tier quick reaction force.
Their mandate is limited to maintaining a peaceful environment and preventing disruptions, without interfering in polling or vote counting.
The commission has also reiterated a media code of conduct, barring the broadcast of unofficial results from any polling station until at least one hour after voting ends. Violations, the ECP warns, may lead to disciplinary action.
As voting continues, political stakes remain high, particularly in constituencies historically dominated by PTI. Final results will be announced only by the designated Returning Officers once counting concludes.
