2024 by-election: Nationwide communication suspension, security forces deployed

LAHORE: By-elections are set to take place across Pakistan on Sunday (today) where polling will be conducted on five National Assembly seats and 16 Provincial Assembly seats.

Ahead of the elections, all cellular and internet services will be temporarily suspended in the polling districts to ensure a smooth electoral process. The decision to suspend mobile phone and internet services during the by-election mirrors protocols established during the 2024 general election.

In Punjab, 13 cities, including Lahore, Sheikhupura, Kasur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, will experience temporary service disruptions.

Read more: 2024 By-election in Lahore: A look at the political candidates

Across the country, by-elections will be held in 21 constituencies, with an additional re-polling session scheduled.

Security measures have been extensively planned to guarantee the safety of voters and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Sensitive polling stations will receive additional security personnel. Meanwhile, civil armed forces and army troops will serve as quick response units.

In the Provincial Assembly seat PP-22 Chakwal, Falak Sher Awan of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Hakeem Nisar of the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) are prominent contenders.

Similarly, from the PP-32 constituency in Gujarat, Musa Elahi of PML-N will face off against Pervez Elahi of the Sunni Ittehad Council.

In PP-36 constituency located in Wazirabad, Adnan Afzal Chattha of PML-N and Mohammad Fayyaz Chattha of the SIC are vying for a seat against each other.

Meanwhile, in the National Assembly seat from NA-119 constituency in Lahore, Ali Pervaiz of PML-N will compete against Shahzad Farooq of the SIC.

Read more: Section 144 implemented in Punjab ahead of by-election

The government stated it has established “strict monitoring” mechanisms to ensure “fair conduct” during the by-elections. The Election Monitoring and Control Center would be operational throughout the day and will provide a platform for citizens to register complaints and inquiries related to the electoral process.