Pakistan begins vote count after by-elections in 13 constituencies

Polling concluded Sunday evening across 13 constituencies in Pakistan for National and Punjab Assembly by-elections under tight security.

Counting of ballots has already begun, with some media outlets reporting initial and unofficial results from a few polling stations in select constituencies.

The by-elections follow the disqualification of several lawmakers from former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, who were convicted over their alleged involvement in violent protests in May 2023.

National and provincial races

National Assembly elections were held in NA-18 Haripur, NA-96 Faisalabad, NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-129 Lahore, NA-143 Sahiwal, and NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan

Provincial assembly contests took place in PP-73 Sargodha, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-98 Faisalabad, PP-115 Faisalabad, PP-116 Faisalabad, PP-203 Sahiwal, and PP-269 Muzaffargarh.

State broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported that army personnel were deployed to maintain order, while the Election Commission of Pakistan coordinated with district authorities to ensure logistics and transport arrangements for smooth polling. Voting proceeded without interruption until the 5 p.m. deadline.

Security forces positioned outside stations

Security presence was extensive. Troops were stationed outside polling stations deemed “most sensitive,” with additional forces on rapid response duty. Officials emphasized that security forces were only to intervene in cases involving weapons, explosives, prohibited items, or attempts to incite violence, ensuring voters could cast their ballots safely.

In Punjab, where 12 of the 13 constituencies are located, more than 20,000 police personnel were on high alert, enforcing electoral regulations and Section 144 restrictions.

The by-elections come nearly two years after the May 9, 2023 riots that erupted following Khan’s brief arrest on corruption charges. Buildings and military installations were attacked during the unrest, which triggered a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders and members.

Many senior figures subsequently distanced themselves from Khan, who has been jailed since August 2023 on multiple charges, including corruption and sedition, which he denies.

Key candidates

Key candidates in the National Assembly races include Shehrnaz Omar Ayub in NA-18, Muhammad Bilal Badar Chaudhry in NA-96, Daniyal Ahmed in NA-104, Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman in NA-129, Muhammad Tufail Jutt in NA-143, and PPP’s Dost Muhammad Khosa and PML-N’s Mehmood Qadir Khan Laghari in NA-185.

In Punjab Assembly contests, prominent PML-N candidates include Mian Sultan Ali Ranjha (PP-73), Azad Ali Tabbasum (PP-98), Muhammad Tahir Pervez (PP-115), Ahmed Shaharyar (PP-116), and Muhammad Hanif Jutt (PP-203).

Punjab Police Chief Dr. Usman Anwar confirmed that all security formations, including the Dolphin Squad, Special Branch, and Counter-Terrorism Department, were involved in maintaining law and order.

Authorities monitored polling from centralized control rooms, Safe City Authority hubs, and district operations centers to ensure a transparent and secure electoral process.

The by-elections are being closely watched as a test of Pakistan’s electoral integrity amid political volatility and ongoing tensions between ruling and opposition parties.