Polling is underway today for by-elections on 13 key seats of the National Assembly and Punjab Assembly, with thousands of security personnel deployed across Punjab.

The contests—many triggered by the disqualification of PTI-backed candidates—have drawn intense political attention, particularly in Lahore’s NA-129 and Haripur’s NA-18.

Polling opened at 8am and will continue until 5pm, with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) overseeing the process under a reinforced security plan.

Most seats were vacated after PTI-backed members were disqualified following their conviction in the May 9, 2023 incidents that erupted after former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest.

The National Assembly seats where voting is underway include NA-18 Haripur, NA-96 Faisalabad, NA-104 Faisalabad, NA-129 Lahore, NA-143 Sahiwal, and NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan.

Punjab Assembly by-elections are being held in PP-79 Sargodha, PP-87 Mianwali, PP-98 Faisalabad, PP-115 Faisalabad, PP-116 Faisalabad, PP-203 Sahiwal, and PP-269 Muzaffargarh.

Heavy security deployment across Punjab

More than 20,000 police personnel have been deployed on national and provincial constituencies to maintain order.

According to the ECP’s code of conduct, armed forces personnel have also been stationed outside polling stations declared “highly sensitive”, while remaining troops are on standby as a third-tier response force.

Security officials have been directed to ensure a safe and neutral environment, prevent violence, and allow voters to enter freely—except in cases involving weapons, explosives, or security risks.

Key political contests

NA-129 Lahore

NA-129 gained significance again after the death of former MNA Mian Muhammad Azhar, who won the seat on a PTI ticket. PML-N has fielded seasoned political organizer Hafiz Noman, while Chaudhry Arsalan Ahmed, the late Mian Azhar’s nephew and a PTI-backed independent, is running a strong campaign.

A tight contest is expected between PML-N and PTI-backed forces, making this one of the most closely watched constituencies.

NA-18 Haripur: Ayub family vs PML-N

This seat fell vacant after former opposition leader Omar Ayub Khan was disqualified following a conviction in a May 9 case.

His wife, Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, is contesting her first election and faces PML-N candidate Babar Nawaz Khan, who previously held the seat. The Ayub family’s strong local influence suggests a tough fight.

NA-96 Faisalabad

The seat became vacant after Rai Haider Ali Khan was disqualified post-May 9 conviction. PML-N has nominated Bilal Badar Chaudhry, brother of Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry.

Independent candidate Nawab Sher Wasir is a key contender, while Talal Chaudhry was fined today by the ECP for violating the election code of conduct.

NA-104 Faisalabad

This constituency fell vacant after Sahibzada Hamid Raza, elected as an independent and chairman of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), was sentenced to 10 years in a May 9 case.

PML-N has fielded young lawyer Daniyal Ahmed, son of former opposition leader Raja Riaz. He is facing three independent candidates, while SIC and PTI workers remain active in the constituency.

NA-143 Sahiwal

This seat also became vacant after the conviction and disqualification of PTI-backed Rai Hassan Nawaz.

NA-185 Dera Ghazi Khan

Former federal minister Zartaj Gul was disqualified after her conviction in a May 9 case, leaving the seat vacant.

PML-N has nominated Mehmood Qadir Khan Leghari from the influential Leghari family, making this another significant local political contest in South Punjab.

Provincial Assembly seats also being decided

By-elections are simultaneously being held in seven Punjab Assembly constituencies:

PP-79 Sargodha
PP-87 Mianwali
PP-98 Faisalabad
PP-115 Faisalabad
PP-116 Faisalabad
PP-203 Sahiwal
PP-269 Muzaffargarh

PML-N has fielded strong candidates in most constituencies, while PTI and SIC-backed independent candidates are also in the race. PTI, however, has boycotted elections on provincial seats in some areas.

These by-elections are expected to influence the political balance at both the national and provincial levels, especially where PML-N faces PTI-backed independents.

The results—particularly from Lahore and Haripur—may shape the narrative around party popularity ahead of future political developments.