Polling underway in NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election
“Polling is underway in NA-168 Bahawalpur, where PML-N’s Malik Munir Iqbal Channar faces independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema in a closely contested by-election…”
BBAHAWALPUR —Polling is underway in the NA-168 Bahawalpur by-election, with a close contest expected between PML-N candidate Malik Munir Iqbal Channar and independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema.
Polling started at 8am and is scheduled to continue until 5pm. However, Election Commission of Pakistan spokesperson Huda Gohar said voters present within the premises of polling stations at 5pm will also be allowed to cast their votes. The constituency fell vacant following the death of Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar in August.
His son, Malik Munir Iqbal Channar, is now contesting the by-election as the ruling PML-N candidate. election commissioner’s office, 483,143 voters are registered in the constituency, including 248,259 men and 234,614 women. Polling is being held at 292 polling stations, where 307 presiding officers and 941 polling and assistant presiding officers have been deployed.
"Stay connected with Aman-e-Pakistan for ongoing live reporting and verified investigative updates."
A day earlier, the Punjab Home Department requested the federal Interior Ministry to deploy Army and Rangers (Punjab) personnel in the constituency to ensure the smooth, peaceful and secure conduct of the by-election.
Ahead of the by-poll, three people were injured in an armed clash at Baqirpur on September 12 during the election campaign of Wali Dad Cheema, son of former PML-Q federal minister Tariq Bashir Cheema. 1122 sources, the clash took place during Cheema’s election rally between supporters of rival candidates.
Some participants resorted to firing, resulting in injuries to three people
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