LAHORE: Polling has officially begun for by-elections in six National Assembly and seven Punjab Assembly constituencies, with stringent security arrangements in place.
According to the Election Commission, polling started at 8 a.m. and will continue uninterrupted until 5 p.m.
NA-18:
In NA-18 Haripur, nine candidates are contesting the by-election. A tough contest is expected between PTI-backed independent candidate Shandana, PML-N’s Babar Nawaz Khan, and PPP’s Erum Fatima. The seat fell vacant after PTI’s Omar Ayub was convicted and disqualified in the May 9 case.
NA-96:
IN NA-96 Faisalabad, a total of 16 candidates including those from the PML-N, PPP and independent contenders are competing. The constituency has 372,133 registered male voters and 272,991 female voters.
NA-104:
In NA-104 also Faisalabad, five candidates are in the running, including PML-N’s Raja Daniyal and independent contender Rana Adnan Javed. A total of 557,637 voters will cast their ballots in this National Assembly constituency.
NA-129:
In NA-129 Lahore, a close contest is expected between PML-N’s Hafiz Muhammad Nauman and independent candidates Bajash Khan Niazi and Arsalan Ahmed. A total of 334 polling stations have been set up in this constituency, including 70 combined stations for men and women. The seat became vacant after the death of Mian Azhar.
NA-143:
NA-143, the third-largest constituency in Sahiwal, is also likely to see a tight race between the PML-N and a PTI-backed candidate. The constituency has 584,698 registered voters.
NA-185:
In NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan, PPP has fielded its candidate against PML-N. A strong three-way contest is expected between candidates of PML-N, PPP, and JUI-F. The seat fell vacant after PTI’s Zartaj Gul Wazir was convicted and disqualified in the May 9 case.
PP-87 Mianwali-3:
In PP-87 Mianwali-3, 193 polling stations and 640 polling booths have been set up, including 332 for men and 308 for women. The constituency has 283,272 registered voters.
A total of 66 polling stations have been declared sensitive. Security includes 1,500 police officers and personnel deployed across the area, while the Pakistan Army is also assisting the police.
Voters will cast their ballots in the provincial assembly constituencies PP-98, PP-115, PP-116, PP-73 Sargodha, PP-203 Sahiwal, and PP-269 Muzaffargarh as well.
Security arrangements:
According to state-owned news agency, Inspector General of Punjab Police Dr. Usman Anwar has directed that all security arrangements for the by-elections be fully implemented.
A police spokesperson said over 20,000 police officers and personnel have been deployed for election duties.
IG Punjab Dr. Usman Anwar said the police will ensure a peaceful and secure environment so voters can cast their ballots without fear. He added that violations of the election code of conduct, Section 144, and the ban on weapons will not be tolerated.
He stated that police have been stationed at 939 male polling stations, 889 female polling stations, and 964 joint polling stations. Out of 2,792 total polling stations, 408 have been declared highly sensitive and 1,032 sensitive.
CCTV cameras have been installed at highly sensitive polling stations, and polling will be monitored in real time from the Central Police Office, the Safe Cities Authority, and district control rooms.
The IG expressed confidence that the by-elections will be conducted peacefully. He said security, transportation, logistics, and communication plans were finalized in coordination with relevant institutions.
He added that all hostile elements including terrorists and disruptive groups will be thwarted with the support of law enforcement agencies. Personnel from the Punjab Constabulary, PHP, Elite Force, SPU, and training units are also on duty, while female officers are deployed at women’s polling stations and booths. Rangers and the Pakistan Army are providing full support to Punjab Police during the by-elections.
Dolphin Squad, Special Branch, and CTD have also been included in the election security plan.
