GUJRANWALA – Gujranwala voters are heading to polling stations today on Sunday to decide crucial National Assembly by-election in NA-77, where the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) faces a major test of its electoral strength.
With more than half a million voters eligible to participate and 11 candidates competing for the vacant seat, the constituency has become the centre of an intense political contest. Adding to the drama, allegations of election code violations involving Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar have brought fresh controversy just as voting gets underway.
The spotlight is firmly on PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk and Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML) contender Muhammad Ibrahim Gujjar, who are expected to lead the battle for the National Assembly seat.
For PML-N, the election is a test of the party’s longstanding political influence in Gujranwala and the future of a prominent political family’s legacy. NA-77 seat became vacant after death of seasoned PML-N parliamentarian Mahmood Bashir Virk. The ruling party subsequently nominated his son, Rashid Bashir Virk, hoping to retain the constituency through continued support for the Virk family.
However, Muhammad Ibrahim Gujjar emerged as a key challenger, setting the stage for a potentially competitive contest. Although 11 candidates are in the running, political attention remains focused on these two contenders as voters prepare to deliver their verdict.
Election Controversy
NA-77 race has taken controversial turn in wake of allegations that Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar breached election regulations shortly before polling day.
The federal minister allegedly travelled to NA-77 by helicopter and attended a public gathering during the election period, raising concerns over a possible violation of the Election Commission’s code of conduct. Election Commission of Pakistan responded on November 7 by directing the relevant election authorities to investigate the reported incident and submit detailed findings.
The allegations added a fresh layer of political tension to an already closely watched contest. However, any violation will depend on the outcome of the commission’s examination.
Over 518,000 Voters Set to Shape NA-77’s Political Future
Official electoral figures show that 518,620 registered voters are eligible to participate in the by-election, making the contest a significant test of political support in the constituency.
The registered electorate includes:
- Male voters: 277,480
- Female voters: 241,140
- Total registered voters: 518,620
- Candidates contesting: 11
- Polling stations: 333
Election Commission has established polling arrangements across the constituency to accommodate voters and facilitate the electoral process.
Authorities have stepped up security arrangements to prevent disturbances and ensure peaceful polling throughout NA-77. Of the 333 polling stations, security officials have identified 12 as highly sensitive and 34 as sensitive, while the remaining 287 stations have been placed in the normal category.
Additional police and security personnel have been deployed at vulnerable locations, with special attention being given to polling stations considered at greater risk of disruption. The security measures are intended to protect voters, election staff and polling material while ensuring that the voting process continues without interference.
The stakes are particularly high for the PML-N, which hopes to demonstrate that its support in Gujranwala remains strong despite the change in candidates following Mahmood Bashir Virk’s death.
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