The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has taken a significant lead in the recent by-elections held in 21 constituencies across Pakistan, including five National Assembly and 16 provincial assembly seats. Despite reports of clashes between supporters of the PML-N and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) in Punjab, the ruling party has secured victories in several key constituencies.
Preliminary reports and unofficial results indicate that the PML-N has secured four out of 12 provincial assembly seats in Punjab, along with two out of five National Assembly seats. Additionally, one National Assembly seat each has been won by the SIC, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and an independent candidate.
In the latest updates, the PML-N is leading in approximately 11 provincial assembly seats. The ruling party has also clinched a provincial assembly seat from Balochistan and a National Assembly seat from Lahore, while the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) secured another provincial assembly seat in Lahore. PPP managed to secure a National Assembly seat from Kamber Shahdadtkot.
Despite the electoral victories, the by-elections were marred by physical confrontations, allegations of pre-poll rigging, and internet outages in Lahore. The Election Commission of Pakistan had scheduled the by-elections across various constituencies, including those in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh.
In Punjab, polling took place in constituencies such as Chakwal-Cum-Talagang, Gujrat VI, Wazirabad-II, Narowal-I, Sheikhpura-IV, and various others. While the electoral process faced challenges, the PML-N’s success in securing wins across multiple constituencies underscores its continued influence in Pakistani politics.