Voters are casting ballots on Sunday in the NA-77 by-election in Gujranwala and the PP-203 by-election in Sahiwal, with polling running from 8am to 5pm. The NA-77 by-election in Gujranwala and the PP-203 by-election in Sahiwal will both run from 8am to 5pm.
NA-77 fell vacant after the death of five-time MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on September 11, following a prolonged illness. His son, Rashid Basheer Virk, is among the candidates contesting the seat.
Rashid and 17 other candidates have filed nomination papers for NA-77. The main opposition parties, including the PTI, PPP and Jamaat-i-Islami, have not opted to contest the by-election.
The federal government approved the deployment of army and Rangers personnel for the two by-elections, with security forces deployed from November 7 to 9.
Five more notices in the NA-77 by-election
While polling was under way, the Election Commission of Pakistan issued notices to five more public office holders for alleged violations of the code of conduct.
Notices went to Punjab Assembly member Qudsia Batool, National Assembly member Saira Afzal Tarar and Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Culture Shazia Rizwan, after reports on social media that the three had visited polling stations within NA-77.
Notices were also issued to MNA Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar and MPA Hina Arshad Warraich for allegedly visiting polling stations. The officials were directed to appear at the Election Complex in Gujranwala for an explanation at 3pm on Sunday.
The notices relate to alleged violations only. No finding has been made against any of the office holders named, and no result has been withheld.
The Tarar notice from Saturday
On Saturday, the Election Commission had taken notice of an alleged violation by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar during campaigning in NA-77. Feature Pakistan reported the notice on Saturday.
According to the commission, the minister visited the constituency by helicopter and addressed a campaign event for Rashid Basheer Virk. The code of conduct bars public office holders, including federal ministers, from taking part in campaign activities.
The commission sought a report from the district monitoring officer and the district returning officer. It also directed the minister to appear before it in person. The ECP said the result of the constituency could be withheld until a final decision is made on the matter.
The notice stated that the participation of federal ministers in election campaigns violated paragraphs 18 and 41 of the code of conduct. Tarar was directed to appear before the district monitoring officer at 11am on Sunday to explain his position.
Why PP-203 is voting again
The by-election in PP-203 is being held after the death of PML-N MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt, who died of cardiac arrest on September 17, 2026. This is the second time a by-election is being held in the constituency since the 2024 general elections.
The seat was first won by independent candidate Rai Murtaza Iqbal, backed by the PTI, with 55,874 votes against Jutt, who polled 35,163 votes. Iqbal, along with four other PTI-backed parliamentarians, was later disqualified and denotified by the ECP after his conviction by an anti-terrorism court in Faisalabad on July 31.
The ECP then scheduled a by-election for November 23, 2025, which Jutt won with 46,820 votes. His closest rival, independent candidate Falik Sher, secured 10,975 votes.
Around 1,370 polling personnel, including 574 women and 796 men, have been deputed at 185 polling stations for the by-election in PP-203. District Police Officer Usman Tipu said 1,100 personnel had been deployed to ensure security.
The 185 polling stations include 11 in Category A, 37 in Category B and 137 in Category C. A traffic management plan has also been devised, with more than 65 personnel assigned duties.
Feature Pakistan previewed the PP-203 by-election before polling day. Polls in both constituencies close at 5pm, after which counting will begin.
Frequently asked questions
Which seats are voting in the Punjab by-elections today?
Voters in NA-77 Gujranwala-I and PP-203 Sahiwal-VI are choosing new representatives. Both seats fell vacant after the deaths of their PML-N lawmakers in September.
What time does polling close?
Polling runs from 8am to 5pm on Sunday, November 8. Counting begins after polls close.
Why did the ECP issue notices during polling?
The commission issued notices to five public office holders, including two MNAs and two MPAs, for allegedly visiting polling stations in NA-77. It also issued a notice on Saturday to Information Minister Attaullah Tarar for alleged campaigning in the constituency.
Could the NA-77 result be withheld?
The ECP has said the result of the constituency could be withheld until a final decision is made on the alleged code of conduct violation by the information minister. No finding has been made yet.
