ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan has finalized preparations for the upcoming by-elections in 21 constituencies across national and provincial assemblies. Scheduled for April 21, the polls will fill five national and 16 provincial assembly seats, originally intended for 23 constituencies.
Already, results have been declared for two seats: Aseefa Bhutto Zardari secured NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad unopposed, and Zubair Ahmad Junejo won PS-80 Dadu uncontested.
Among the notable vacancies are NA-8 Bajaur, NA-44 Dera Ismail Khan-I, NA-119 Lahore-III, NA-132 Kasur-II, NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I, and NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I at the National Assembly level.
Challenges arose in NA-8 Bajaur and PK-22 Bajaur-IV due to the tragic death of an independent candidate. Additionally, NA-44 was vacated by Ali Amin Gandapur, now KP Chief Minister, who opted for his provincial seat. Maryam vacated NA-119 Lahore-III for her provincial seat, and PM Shehbaz Sharif opted for NA-132 Kasur, leaving NA-123 Lahore-VII. His provincial seats, PP-158 and PP-164, consequently became vacant.
In Sindh, NA-196 Kamber Shadadkot-I and NA-207 Shaheed Benazirabad-I were vacated as Bilawal Bhutto and Asif Ali Zardari opted for their respective seats.
Provincial assembly by-polls include PP-22 Chakwal-Cum-Talagang, PP-32 Gujrat-VI, PP-36 Wazirabad-II, PP-54 Narowal-I, PP-93 Bhakkar-V, PP-139 Sheikhupura-IV, PP-147 Lahore-III, PP-149 Lahore-V, PP-158 Lahore-XIV, PP-164 Lahore-XX, PP-266 Rahim Yar Khan-XII, PP-290 Dera Ghazi Khan-V in Punjab; PK-22 Bajaur-IV, PK-91 Kohat-II in KP; PB-20 Khuzdar-III, PB-22 Lasbela in Balochistan; and PS-80 Dadu-I in Sindh.
With 50 candidates contesting for National Assembly seats, 23 vying for KP seats, and 12 for Balochistan, Punjab hosts 154 candidates across multiple constituencies.
The election campaign ended at midnight on April 19th, with the ECP warning of legal consequences for those engaging in political activities beyond the deadline. Media and public cooperation are urged for a fair process, with reminders of Election Act, 2017’s Section 182 prohibiting public meetings or processions within constituencies for 48 hours post-polls. Violators face imprisonment or fines.
Preparations for the April 21 by-elections in Punjab, KP, and Balochistan are nearly complete, ensuring a smooth electoral process.
