NATIONAL NEWS
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) swept the latest by-elections, emerging victorious in 12 out of 13 seats, according to early tallies.
Despite the largely peaceful vote, election turnout remained subdued. In PML-N strongholds, supporters celebrated in classic style—handing out sweets and lighting fireworks to mark the win.
Polling ended on Sunday evening across six National Assembly and seven Provincial Assembly seats, followed by swift counting that quickly revealed a strong lead for PML-N candidates.
Officials noted that voter participation hovered around just 24%, reflecting a muted overall engagement with the polls.
According to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the balloting took place as scheduled from 8am to 5pm without major disruption.
A majority of seats contested in this round were vacated due to the disqualification of several PTI representatives linked to the May 9, 2023 incidents that erupted after Imran Khan’s arrest.
Security arrangements were tightened ahead of the by-polls, with authorities emphasizing strict enforcement of the electoral code.
Campaigning officially ceased at midnight on November 21, after which all candidates were barred from any further electioneering.
Analysts suggest these results provide insight into the evolving political dynamics in Punjab, where parties including PML-N, PPP, and PTI are battling for dominance. PTI, however, continues to operate without its signature bat symbol due to earlier ECP directives.
Key NA Constituency Battles
NA-18 Haripur
Nine contenders were in the running, with the main fight among a PTI-backed independent, PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan, and PPP’s Erum Fatima. This seat was vacated following PTI’s Omar Ayub losing qualification in a May 9–related case.
NA-96 Faisalabad
Sixteen candidates competed here, featuring nominees from PML-N, PPP, and numerous independents. The constituency includes 372,133 registered male voters and 272,991 female voters.
NA-104 Faisalabad
Five candidates contested this seat, including PML-N’s Raja Daniyal and independent hopeful Rana Adnan Javed. Approximately 558,000 registered voters were eligible to participate.
NA-129 Lahore
One of the most closely watched contests in Lahore, this seat saw PML-N’s Hafiz Nauman facing off against independents Bajash Khan Niazi and Arsalan Ahmed. A total of 334 polling stations were set up, including 70 mixed polling facilities. This seat was previously vacated following the death of veteran leader Mian Azhar. Many consider NA-129 a bellwether for Lahore’s political direction.
NA-143 Sahiwal
With 584,698 registered voters, NA-143 was expected to see intense competition, especially between PML-N candidates and PTI-backed independents.
NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan
A three-way contest unfolded here, with candidates from PML-N, PPP, and JUI offering highly competitive campaigns.
Polling was also conducted in the following provincial constituencies:
PP-73 Sargodha
PP-87 Mianwali
PP-98 Faisalabad
PP-115 Faisalabad
PP-116 Faisalabad
PP-203 Sahiwal
PP-269 Muzaffargarh
These seats, too, were vacated after representatives were disqualified for their alleged involvement in the May 9 events.
Security & Guidelines
To ensure a secure environment, the federal government approved deployment of Army contingents in specific constituencies from November 22–24, primarily as backup support to civilian security personnel.
Meanwhile, the ECP issued strict directives for the media, stating:
No unverified results may be aired during the first hour after polling ends
Only Returning Officers are authorized to announce official results
Any interim figures must be clearly identified as “unofficial and incomplete”
The commission reiterated that violations could result in penalties and that official constituency-level outcomes would only be confirmed once formally issued through the designated Returning Officers.
Read more: https://nayakashmir.com/punjab-by-polls-pml-n-dominates-as-pti-backed-candidates-lag-behind/
