Crucial by-polls across Pakistan are underway today. Voters are heading to 13 constituencies, where tough contests are expected. Most seats fell vacant after May 9 case disqualifications. The most active battlegrounds are in Haripur and Faisalabad. However, Chak Jhumra, Muzaffargarh, Sargodha and DG Khan also hold significant interest.
The Election Commission of Pakistan states that all polling material has reached stations safely. Foolproof security measures have been planned, and strict instructions have been issued for fair polling. Moreover, authorities have been told to ensure smooth access for voters throughout the day.
Haripur (NA-18)
Haripur is witnessing a busy race with nine candidates. PTI-backed independent Shehrnaz Omar Ayub is among the front-runners. She faces PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan and PPP’s Erum Fatima. Six independents are also contesting. The constituency has over 753,000 voters and 602 polling stations. The seat became vacant after Omar Ayub’s disqualification in a May 9 case.
Faisalabad (NA-96, NA-104, PP-116, PP-115)
Faisalabad holds four major contests. NA-96 has 16 candidates. PML-N’s Talal Badar Chaudhry faces many independents. The constituency has 587,124 voters and 345 polling stations. The seat opened after Rai Haider Ali Kharal’s disqualification.
NA-104 features PML-N’s Raja Daniyal against four independents. The area has around 557,000 voters and 375 polling stations. The seat was previously held by Sahibzada Hamid Raza before his disqualification.
In PP-116, PML-N’s Rana Shehryar is competing against five independents. There are 190 polling stations for nearly 276,000 voters. The seat became empty after Muhammad Ismail Sila’s disqualification.
PP-115 has five candidates. PML-N’s Tahir Jamil is facing four independents. This seat was vacated after Sheikh Shahid Javed’s disqualification.
Chak Jhumra (PP-98)
Ten candidates are in the running. A close fight is expected between PML-N’s Azad Ali Tabbasum and independent Muhammad Ajmal Cheema. There are 171 polling stations for about 290,000 voters. The seat fell vacant after Junaid Afzal Sahi was unseated and later sentenced.
Muzaffargarh (PP-269)
Seventeen candidates are contesting. PPP’s Alamdar Abbas Qureshi faces independents Iqbal Khan and Abdul Hai Dasti. The seat opened after Qureshi resigned ahead of a recount request.
Sargodha (PP-73)
Five candidates are competing. PML-N’s Mian Sultan Ali Ranjha faces four independents. The seat was declared vacant after Ansar Iqbal Heral was disqualified and later sentenced.
Dera Ghazi Khan (NA-185)
Eight candidates are running in this constituency. PML-N’s Mahmood Qadir Leghari faces PPP’s Sardar Dost Muhammad Khosa. A total of 226 polling stations have been set up. The seat became empty after Zartaj Gul Wazir’s disqualification.
Lahore (NA-129)
NA-129 is drawing strong attention. PTI is contesting without its symbol, while PML-N seeks to reclaim the seat. Over 550,000 voters will choose a new representative after the death of former governor Mian Muhammad Azhar. He won the seat in 2024 as a PTI-backed independent.
Chaudhry Arsalan Ahmad is now contesting with support from Hammad Azhar. He faces PML-N’s Hafiz Mian Nauman, who lost to Mian Azhar in 2024 by more than 30,000 votes.
Security and Media Conduct
Security forces are deployed under a three-tier system. Police act as first responders. Civil armed forces remain on standby. The Pakistan Army is deployed as the third tier in quick reaction mode. Their role is limited to maintaining a secure environment.
Security staff will remain outside sensitive stations. They must not interfere in polling or counting. Only voters carrying weapons or causing disturbance may be stopped.
A separate code has been issued for media. Unofficial results cannot be aired until one hour after polling ends. They must be labelled as partial and unofficial. Only the Returning Officer is authorised to announce the final result.
