BAHAWALPUR(National Times)- PML-N candidate Malik Munir Iqbal Channar was leading independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema in the NA-168 (Bahawalpur-V) by-election at most of the 292 polling stations until late Sunday, according to unofficial results.
Mr Channar had secured 62,713 votes against Mr Cheema’s 31,293, suggesting that the ruling party was set to retain the National Assembly seat that fell vacant following the death of MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar.
The PML-N had fielded the deceased MNA’s son to contest the by-election.
The polling process was largely peaceful across the constituency, although there were reports of isolated incidents of violence, mismanagement, confusion and complaints about the unavailability of women’s voter lists at some polling stations.
In a statement, the provincial election commissioner said balloting was briefly disrupted at a polling station in Akhtarabad, considered a PML-N stronghold, following a brawl between voters after political workers allegedly harassed election staff. Immediate action was taken, and the relevant district returning officer and returning officer brought the situation under control with police help.
Polling remained slow during the early hours, with limited voter participation. Although polling began on time at all stations on Sunday morning, staff remained idle for several hours as only a few voters turned up till noon. However, voter turnout, including among women, increased after midday.
Rural polling stations, particularly those around Jhnagiwali and Abbasnagar, which are considered strongholds of the Channar family, witnessed a large number of voters.
When asked about the incident, Mr Channar alleged that some people had disrupted polling and were found stamping ballot papers in favour of his rival. He claimed that the individuals were expelled following the scuffle and that polling resumed after remaining suspended for several hours.
Meanwhile, some voters at the Bahawalpur 3-Marla Housing Scheme polling station alleged police officials deployed there had not allowed voters whose CNICs carried addresses from the Yazman area, which is considered a stronghold of Mr Cheema, to cast their ballots.
PM congratulates party candidate
Later, a statement issued by PM Office said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Malik Munir Iqbal Channar as well as his brother Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar, who is incumbent Punjab Assembly deputy speaker, on the victory in the by-election. The PM lauded the people of Bahawalpur for electing their representative, stating that the victory showed public confidence in the PML-N.
