ISLAMABAD: The counting of votes is underway after by-polls were held in 13 national and provincial constituencies in Pakistan’s eastern Punjab province on Sunday, amid stringent security measures.
Most of the seats fell vacant after lawmakers affiliated with former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party were disqualified months ago, following their convictions in cases related to the May 2023 violent protests, which saw Khan supporters attack government and military installations over his brief arrest in a graft case.
For the National Assembly or lower house of parliament, voting was held in NA-18 Haripur, NA-96 Faisalabad, NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-129 Lahore, NA-143 Sahiwal, and NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan constituencies. Polling for provincial assembly seats was held in PP-73 Sargodha, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-98 Faisalabad, PP-115 Faisalabad, PP-116 Faisalabad, PP-203 Sahiwal and PP-269 Muzaffargarh cities.
Polling for the by-elections began at 8am on Sunday and continued till 5pm.
“Personnel of Pakistan Army have also been deployed to maintain security during the by-elections,” the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.
The Punjab administration, in coordination with the Election Commission of Pakistan, made comprehensive arrangements for logistics and transport to ensure a “smooth and orderly” polling process.
The seats fell vacant when lawmakers, mostly members of the PTI, were disqualified after they were convicted by Pakistani courts for their involvement in May 9, 2023 violent riots. Authorities say Khan supporters attacked and torched government buildings and military installations to protest his arrest. Khan and his party deny instigating supporters.
The protests were followed by a nationwide crackdown against PTI leaders and supporters by the state, with many Khan aides publicly parting ways with the party. Khan, who has been in jail since August 2023 on charges ranging from corruption to sedition, denies any wrongdoing.
