Polling is currently in progress for the by-elections in two key Punjab constituencies, NA-77 Gujranwala-I and PP-203 Sahiwal-VI. Voters began casting their ballots early Sunday morning under strict security arrangements to ensure a peaceful electoral process. While the final NA-77 election results will be compiled after the polls close, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is closely monitoring the situation following reports of code of conduct violations during the campaign phase.
Vacancies in Gujranwala and Sahiwal
The by-election in NA-77 was necessitated by the passing of Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk, a five-time Member of the National Assembly (MNA), who died on September 11. His son, Rashid Basheer Virk, is among the 18 candidates contesting the seat. Notably, several major opposition groups, such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI), have stayed away from this specific contest.
In Sahiwal, the PP-203 seat became vacant after the death of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt. This marks the second time a by-election is being held for this provincial seat since the February 2024 general elections. Previously, the seat was held by a PTI-backed independent, Rai Murtaza Iqbal, who was later disqualified following a conviction by an anti-terrorism court.
ECP Notice to Federal Minister
The electoral process has been marked by a legal intervention from the ECP. The commission took notice of an alleged violation of the Code of Conduct by Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Reports indicate the minister used a helicopter to visit the constituency and addressed a campaign gathering for Rashid Basheer Virk.
Under ECP rules, public office holders and federal ministers are prohibited from participating in campaign activities. The commission has requested a formal report from district monitoring officers and has summoned the minister to appear in person. The ECP warned that the official NA-77 election results could be withheld until a final decision is reached regarding this violation.
Security and Polling Process
Law enforcement agencies have deployed significant personnel across both constituencies to maintain order. Polling stations have been categorized based on security risk, with additional staff stationed at sensitive locations. The voting process is expected to continue until the evening, after which the counting of ballots will commence at the individual polling stations.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Gujranwala aur Sahiwal mein aaj by-elections ke liye voting ho rahi hai. NA-77 ki seat Mehmood Bashir Virk ke inteqal ke baad khali hui thi. Election Commission ne Attaullah Tarar ko election rules ki khilaf-warzi par notice bhi jari kiya hai. Vote dalne ka waqt khatam hone ke baad hi result ka pata chalay ga.
