Polling under way for NA-77, PP-203 by-elections in Punjab

By-elections for the NA-77 and PP-203 constituencies in Punjab are underway today. NA-77 became vacant after Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk, a five-time MNA, passed away on September 11 due to a prolonged illness. His son, Rashid Basheer Virk, is among 18 candidates vying for the seat. Opposition parties like PTI, PPP, and Jamaat-i-Islami have declined to participate in the by-election.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is investigating alleged violations of the Code of Conduct by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. Tarar visited the constituency via helicopter and addressed a campaign event for Rashid, which is illegal for public office holders to engage in campaign activities. The ECP has requested a report from the district monitoring officer and district returning officer and directed Tarar to appear before the commission in person. The election result may be withheld until a final decision is made on this matter.

In PP-203, a by-poll is being held due to the death of PML-N MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt. This is Jutt's second by-election in the constituency, having lost the 2024 general elections to independent candidate Rai Murtaza Iqbal, who was later disqualified by the ECP. Jutt had won the previous by-election with 46,820 votes, while his closest rival, independent candidate Falik Sher, secured 10,975 votes.

Around 1,370 polling personnel, including 574 women and 796 men, have been deployed at 185 polling stations for this by-election. A comprehensive traffic management plan has also been put in place to ensure smooth voting.