Polling is currently in motion for the Senate by-election to fill an empty seat in the Punjab Assembly. This electoral process, marked by anticipation and a flurry of activity, began at the stroke of 9:00 AM and will persist until 4:00 PM. In the fray, four candidates are vying for this pivotal seat.
Representing the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Hafiz Abdul Karim is a contender, while Meher Abdul Sattar seeks victory under the banner of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Khadija Siddiqi and Ijaz Minhas enter the race as independent hopefuls.
It’s noteworthy that this seat became available following the unfortunate passing of Professor Sajid Mir, the revered Ameer of Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadees Pakistan.
Achieving victory necessitates securing 185 votes. The ruling coalition, it appears, wields the backing of 261 members, juxtaposed against the opposition’s 108 votes.
Read also: Senate voting kicks off in KP Assembly amid PTI-opposition 6-5 seat agreement.
The PML-N has designated Chief Whip Rana Arshad as their polling agent, whereas the opposition is represented by Rana Shehbaz.
The Punjab Assembly is composed of 371 seats, though two currently lie vacant, leaving 369 members with the right to cast their vote in this significant election.
According to party standings: • PML-N commands 229 seats • PPP possesses 16 seats • PML-Q maintains 11 seats • PML-Zia has secured 1 seat • PTI holds 27 votes • Sunni Ittehad Council has amassed 76 votes • TLP and MWM have a single vote each • Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) holds sway over 7 votes.