By-Elections Held Across 13 Constituencies Amid PTI Allegations of Rigging; PML-N Leads in Preliminary Results

ISLAMABAD / LAHORE / FAISALABAD / DG KHAN / HARIPUR / SAHIWAL: By-elections for six National Assembly (NA) and seven Punjab Assembly (PA) constituencies were conducted across Pakistan on Sunday, November 23, 2025, amid heightened political tension and allegations of rigging by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). The elections, closely monitored by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and security forces, witnessed low to moderate voter turnout in most constituencies, while preliminary results suggested a strong showing for the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

These by-polls were necessitated primarily after several seats fell vacant following the disqualification of PTI lawmakers due to convictions in connection with the violent incidents of May 9, 2023. The elections included six National Assembly constituencies—NA-18 (Haripur) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and NA-96 (Faisalabad), NA-104 (Faisalabad), NA-129 (Lahore), NA-143 (Sahiwal), and NA-185 (Dera Ghazi Khan) in Punjab. Additionally, seven Punjab Assembly seats were contested: PP-73 (Sargodha), PP-87 (Mianwali), PP-98 (Faisalabad), PP-115 (Faisalabad), PP-116 (Faisalabad), PP-203 (Sahiwal), and PP-269 (Muzaffargarh).

PTI Allegations and Boycott

The PTI, which had officially boycotted most of the by-elections, accused the authorities of irregularities and alleged rigging at several constituencies. PTI leadership maintained that certain polling arrangements were biased in favor of PML-N candidates, while party officials claimed multiple violations of the Elections Act during the polling process.

In Lahore, prominent PTI leader Hammad Azhar alleged that “voter booklets” were missing at multiple polling stations, specifically in NA-129, which was vacated after the death of former Punjab governor and PTI stalwart Mian Muhammad Azhar. PTI candidate Chaudhry Arsalan Ahmad, grandson of Mian Muhammad Azhar, reportedly faced restrictions at the Returning Officer’s office. Azhar shared on social media purported audio and video recordings claiming PML-N favoritism and alleged intimidation at polling stations.

Punjab Assembly Opposition Leader Moeen Riaz Qureshi also accused authorities of removing nearly all PTI camps outside polling stations in Lahore. He further alleged that the PML-N had distributed polling station lists in ways that misdirected voters, resulting in lower turnout for PTI supporters. Reports also claimed that multiple PTI workers were injured after confrontations with Punjab police and PML-N-affiliated individuals at several polling stations.

The PTI maintained a limited presence only in Lahore and Haripur, where it fielded candidates in defiance of its broader boycott policy. In Haripur, Shehrnaz Omar Ayub, wife of former NA opposition leader Omar Ayub, contested NA-18. PTI officials, including Omar Ayub and former MPA Momina Basit, campaigned on her behalf, while Shehrnaz focused primarily on women-specific election meetings.

PML-N Candidates and Campaigns

The PML-N, in contrast, fielded candidates in all constituencies except PP-269 of Muzaffargarh, demonstrating strong organizational presence through well-staffed party camps and coordinated voter outreach. In Lahore’s NA-129, PML-N’s Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman led preliminary results from 193 out of 334 polling stations received by midnight. The party actively mobilized voters and campaigned on a platform emphasizing governance, service delivery, and transparency.

In Faisalabad, the PML-N’s Muhammad Bilal Badar Chaudhry contested NA-96, while Daniyal Ahmed was fielded in NA-104. Faisalabad’s provincial constituencies PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 also saw strong PML-N presence. Most independent candidates in these constituencies were reportedly backed by PTI leadership, despite the party’s official boycott.

PML-N leaders emphasized voter participation and the party’s track record of governance. Rana Mashhood Ahmad, head of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, cast his vote at a polling station in Faisalabad, stating that every vote for PML-N candidates would “guarantee a fair and strong mandate for public service, transparent leadership, and sustainable development.” Similarly, former KP minister and Omar Ayub’s brother, Yusuf Ayub, expressed hope for a strong PTI performance in Haripur despite claims of election bias.

Security and Electoral Management

The ECP, in coordination with provincial police forces and the armed forces, ensured comprehensive security arrangements across all constituencies. Over 20,000 police personnel were deployed in Punjab alone, along with troops from the Rangers and army to provide a secure environment, particularly at polling stations declared highly sensitive.

In Faisalabad, more than 6,500 security personnel managed 1,240 polling stations, categorized into Category-A (high sensitivity), B, and C. Officers conducted regular inspections, including visits to key polling stations, ensuring compliance with the ECP’s directives regarding voter secrecy and election code of conduct. Similarly, in Dera Ghazi Khan, 3,000 police officials oversaw the polling process, while in Haripur, 4,414 polling staff managed 602 polling stations across the district.

The ECP issued guidelines prohibiting voters from carrying mobile phones into polling stations and instructed presiding officers to maintain strict oversight. Officers were tasked to facilitate voters, ensure election law compliance, and prevent any interference with the secrecy of the ballot. A man in Faisalabad was arrested for sharing a video of his marked ballot on social media, underscoring the strict enforcement of voting regulations.

Voter Turnout and Preliminary Results

Voter turnout varied across constituencies. In Faisalabad, turnout was initially low during the morning hours but increased in the afternoon, with large crowds reported at several polling stations. NA-185 in Dera Ghazi Khan saw approximately 25% turnout in urban areas and 30% in rural areas, reflecting significant voter engagement despite the PTI boycott. In Haripur, voter participation increased after 12 pm, with polling largely peaceful across the 1,726-square-kilometer constituency.

Preliminary and unofficial results indicated a strong showing for PML-N across multiple constituencies. In Punjab, PML-N candidates were leading in most NA and PA constituencies, including NA-104, NA-96, PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 in Faisalabad, as well as NA-129 in Lahore. Reports also suggested a lead for PML-N’s Muhammad Tufail Jutt and Muhammad Hanif Jutt in Sahiwal’s NA-143 and PP-203 constituencies, respectively. In Sargodha’s PP-73 and Mianwali’s PP-87, PML-N candidates appeared to be ahead, while in Muzaffargarh’s PP-269, PPP candidate Mian Alamdar Qureshi led preliminary results.

Observers noted that the PTI boycott, combined with the PML-N’s well-coordinated campaign machinery, contributed significantly to the ruling party’s lead in most constituencies. Analysts also highlighted that PML-N victories in multiple NA seats could strengthen the party’s position in the National Assembly, potentially reducing its reliance on coalition partners like the PPP.

Controversies and Allegations

Despite the overall peaceful conduct reported by the ECP, allegations of irregularities persisted. In Lahore, PTI leaders claimed harassment and obstruction at polling stations, while accusations were made regarding the placement of presiding officers and manipulation of polling station lists. Video footage shared by both PML-N and PTI supporters highlighted conflicting narratives, with each side alleging bias against them.

In Faisalabad, a show-cause notice was issued to PTI’s Azra Parveen for contesting a provincial seat in violation of party policy. The PML-N also faced scrutiny when Abid Sher Ali received a notice from the returning officer for allegedly violating Section 178(d) of the Elections Act by interfering with the secrecy of the vote. In Muzaffargarh, polling was briefly paused following clashes at one station before resuming under law enforcement supervision.

Key Constituencies in Focus

• Lahore (NA-129): PML-N’s Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman leading preliminary results; PTI’s Chaudhry Arsalan Ahmad alleged missing voter booklets and voter intimidation.

• Faisalabad (NA-96 & NA-104; PP-98, PP-115, PP-116): PML-N’s candidates leading; voter turnout initially low; independent candidates backed by PTI; multiple allegations of ECP bias.

• Dera Ghazi Khan (NA-185): High voter turnout despite PTI boycott; PPP’s Dost Muhammad Khosa and PML-N’s Mehmood Qadir Khan Leghari main contenders.

• Haripur (NA-18): PTI’s Shehrnaz Omar Ayub contested; PML-N and PPP candidates also in the fray; initial low turnout, later increase; polling peaceful.

• Sahiwal (NA-143, PP-203): PML-N leading in preliminary results.

• Sargodha & Mianwali (PP-73, PP-87): PML-N showing strong performance.

• Muzaffargarh (PP-269): PPP’s Mian Alamdar Qureshi leading preliminarily.

Election Monitoring and Official Statements

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja described the by-elections as “peaceful” and acknowledged the cooperation of provincial governments in ensuring smooth conduct. The Punjab police emphasized a “zero-tolerance” approach to violations of the ECP code of conduct, while the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) and other observers reported that, overall, polling was orderly, with isolated incidents addressed promptly.

Political analysts suggest that these by-elections could serve as an indicator of public sentiment ahead of future general elections. A strong PML-N performance may consolidate its parliamentary majority, while PTI’s boycott and allegations of malpractice could influence narratives around electoral credibility and political legitimacy.

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The by-elections held on November 23, 2025, across 13 constituencies were conducted under high political scrutiny, tight security arrangements, and mixed voter participation. Preliminary results suggest a dominant performance by the PML-N, potentially altering the parliamentary arithmetic and reducing the party’s dependence on coalition partners. Despite PTI’s allegations of rigging and boycott strategy, the elections were largely peaceful, with no widespread violence reported. The process also highlighted the ongoing challenges in Pakistan’s electoral system, including voter mobilization, adherence to procedural safeguards, and maintaining the independence of the election management process.

As final results are awaited and official declarations are made by the ECP, these by-elections are expected to provide important insights into Pakistan’s political landscape, party dynamics, and the evolving relationship between voters and political stakeholders in key urban and rural constituencies across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.