Polling begins in Bahawalpur for NA-168 by-election

Polling began at 8am on Sunday in Bahawalpur's National Assembly constituency NA-168 for a by-election to choose a new member of parliament. Voting is scheduled to continue until 5pm, reported the 24News HD TV channel on Sunday.

According to report, more than 483,000 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the constituency. The main contest is between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Malik Munir Iqbal Channar and independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema.

The seat became vacant following the death of former MNA Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar. His son, Malik Munir Iqbal Channar, is contesting the by-election on the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz ticket. Wali Dad Cheema is the son of former federal minister Tariq Bashir Cheema.

Election authorities have established 292 polling stations for the vote, with 896 polling booths. The arrangements include separate facilities for male and female voters, as well as combined polling stations.

The constituency has 248,529 registered male voters and 234,614 female voters, according to election-related data.

Security has been tightened across the constituency. Rangers personnel are among those assigned to election security, while quick-response teams of the armed forces have also been kept available as a reserve for the district administration.

Section 144 has been imposed around polling stations as part of the security arrangements. Officials have also made arrangements to maintain order throughout the voting process.

The election campaign has focused heavily on local political alliances and the future administrative status of the region. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has boycotted the by-election, while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) withdrew its candidate and announced support for Malik Munir Iqbal Channar.

The Election Commission has said polling will continue until 5pm. Voters will be able to cast their ballots during the scheduled polling hours.

Reporter: Mehmood Zaheer