Polling begins in by-elections for Gujranwala, Sahiwal constituencies
Polling began on Sunday in by-elections for National Assembly constituency NA-77 in Gujranwala and Punjab Assembly constituency PP-203 in Sahiwal, with voting scheduled to continue until 5pm.
The PP-203 seat fell vacant following the death of PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Haneef Jutt.
Seven candidates are contesting the by-election, with a close contest expected between PML-N candidate Chaudhry Asad Haneef Jutt and Tehreek-e-Ahsas Pakistan’s Owais Mahmood Gujjar.
A total of 258,122 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots at 185 polling stations in the constituency.
Eleven polling stations have been declared highly sensitive, while more than 1,100 police personnel have been deployed to ensure security and maintain order.
The NA-77 seat in Gujranwala also fell vacant following the death of PML-N lawmaker Mahmood Bashir Virk.
Election materials have been delivered and security arrangements completed for both constituencies.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan has issued a notice to Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar over his participation in the NA-77 election campaign and alleged violations of the electoral code of conduct.