PML-N claims victory in Bahawalpur by-poll
BAHAWALPUR: PML-N candidate Malik Munir Iqbal Channar was leading independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema in the NA-168 (Bahawalpur-V) by-election at most of the 292 polling stations until late Sunday, according to unofficial results. Mr Channar had secured 62,713 votes against Mr Cheema’s 31,293, suggesting that the ruling party was set to retain the National Assembly seat that fell vacant…
BAHAWALPUR: Malik Munir Iqbal Channar, the PML-N candidate, appeared to be ahead of independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema in the NA-168 (Bahawalpur-V) by-election, according to unofficial results from most of the 292 polling stations. Mr. Channar had garnered 62,713 votes compared to Mr. Cheema's 31,293. This victory would secure the National Assembly seat for the ruling party, which had become vacant following MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar's death.
The PML-N had nominated the deceased MNA's son to contest the by-election. The voting process was generally peaceful, although there were isolated reports of violence, mismanagement, confusion, and complaints about the absence of women's voter lists at certain polling stations. Unofficial tallies show Channar leading Cheema by nearly double the votes.
In a statement, the provincial election commissioner mentioned that balloting was briefly halted at a polling station in Akhtarabad, a PML-N stronghold, after a brawl broke out between voters due to alleged harassment of election staff. The situation was quickly resolved with the help of police, and polling resumed. Polling started slowly in the early hours, with limited voter turnout until noon.
However, participation increased after midday. Rural polling stations, especially those around Jhnagiwali and Abbasnagar, known Channar family strongholds, saw a large number of voters. Mr. Channar alleged that some individuals interfered with the voting process, stamping ballot papers in favor of his rival. These individuals were expelled, and polling resumed after a few hours of suspension.
Some voters at the Bahawalpur 3-Marla Housing Scheme polling station claimed that police officials at the station had denied voting rights to those with CNICs from Yazman area, a stronghold of Mr. Cheema. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Malik Munir Iqbal Channar and his brother, Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, who is the incumbent Deputy Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, on their victory in the by-election.
The PM praised the people of Bahawalpur for electing their representative, stating that the result demonstrated public confidence in the PML-N.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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