PML-N picks Rashid Bashir as candidate after ECP announces by-election schedule for NA-77

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has picked Rashid Bashir Virk, son of late MNA Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, as its candidate for the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the polling schedule.

According to party sources, the decision to award the PML-N ticket to Rashid Bashir Virk was taken by party President Nawaz Sharif.

The by-election is scheduled for November 8, 2026.

According to the ECP polling procedure, candidates are required to submit their nomination papers from September 28 to 30, while scrutiny of the papers will be completed by October 5.

The election symbols will be allotted to candidates on October 19.

The NA-77 seat fell vacant following the death of PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, who passed away in Lahore on September 12 after a prolonged illness.

Mahmood Bashir Virk had won the seat on a PML-N ticket in the 2024 general elections.

According to ECP results, he secured 109,704 votes, while independent candidate Rashida Tariq finished second with 91,825 votes. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Imtiaz Safdar Warraich secured 17,059 votes.

The ECP declared the NA-77 seat vacant following Mahmood Bashir Virk’s death and issued the schedule for the by-election.

With PML-N naming Rashid Bashir Virk as its candidate, the party has formally entered the electoral contest.

Other political parties and potential candidates are also expected to announce their candidates ahead of the November 8 polling.

Voters in NA-77 will elect a new National Assembly representative in the by-election.