Summary
Pakistan’s by-elections on November 23, 2025, across six National Assembly (NA) and seven Punjab Assembly (PP) seats saw the ruling PML-N secure a sweeping victory in unofficial tallies, winning all six NA seats and six of the seven PP seats, with PPP claiming one. These seats became vacant primarily due to disqualifications of PTI lawmakers over their alleged roles in the May 9, 2023 riots, though two (NA-129 and PP-269) stemmed from death and resignation, respectively. New elected members, mostly PML-N affiliates, include figures like Muhammad Bilal Badar Chaudhry (NA-96) and Rana Shaharyar (PP-116), bolstering the coalition’s Punjab stronghold amid PTI’s rigging allegations. Official ECP results are pending confirmation, but early reports indicate turnout around 35-40% with minimal disruptions.
Introduction: Wrapping Up a Pivotal Polling Day and Its Immediate Aftermath
As dawn broke on November 24, 2025, Pakistan’s political landscape absorbed the ripples from yesterday’s by-elections, which filled 13 critical vacancies without upending the federal coalition but reinforcing PML-N’s dominance in Punjab. Research suggests these polls, held amid tight security for over 3.5 million voters, highlighted ongoing tensions from the 2023 riots’ legacy, with PTI-backed independents mounting fierce but ultimately unsuccessful challenges. The evidence leans toward a PML-N clean sweep in most seats, per unofficial counts from media like Geo News and Dawn, though PTI decries “pre-poll rigging” and low turnout as factors in their losses. This rewritten deep-dive incorporates fresh post-poll data, clarifies vacancy origins (addressing why many seats were “empty”), profiles the new lawmakers, and explores implications, drawing from ECP notifications, real-time reports, and balanced analyses for a nuanced view.
Historical Context: Riots, Disqualifications, and the Path to By-Polls
The May 9, 2023 riots—erupting after Imran Khan’s arrest—targeted military sites, resulting in over 2,000 arrests and convictions under anti-terrorism laws, disqualifying dozens of PTI lawmakers and creating these vacancies. Building on the fragmented 2024 general elections—where PTI-backed independents won 93 NA seats but were sidelined by a PML-N-PPP coalition—these by-polls tested local loyalties. The ECP scheduled them for November 23 after legal revisions, like for PP-87, emphasizing tech tools like the CMS app for complaints. Turnout estimates (35-45%) mirrored 2024 trends, higher in rural areas per FAFEN, amid economic strains like 10%+ inflation.
Why These Seats Were Empty: A Detailed Breakdown of Vacancies
Most vacancies (11 of 13) arose from PTI lawmakers’ disqualifications tied to May 9 riot convictions, often 5-10 year bans under the Anti-Terrorism Act, leaving seats “empty” mid-term per Article 63A of the Constitution. Two exceptions: NA-129 due to the death of PTI’s Mian Muhammad Azhar (former Punjab governor), and PP-269 from PPP’s Alamdar Abbas Qureshi’s resignation ahead of a recount. This “empty” status halted representation, prompting ECP-mandated by-polls within 60 days. Below is an updated table with vacancy reasons, prior holders, and notes:
| Constituency | Type | Location | Prior Holder (Affiliation) | Vacancy Reason | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA-18 | NA | Haripur, KP | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9 riots) | PTI stronghold; 400,000+ voters. |
| NA-96 | NA | Faisalabad-II | Rai Haider Ali Khan (PTI) | Disqualification (May 9) | Industrial hub; 645,000 voters. |
| NA-104 | NA | Faisalabad-X | Sahibzada Hamid Raza (SIC/PTI) | Disqualification (May 9); 10-year ban | 557,000 voters; ECP announced Aug 2025. |
| NA-129 | NA | Lahore-XIII | Mian Muhammad Azhar (PTI) | Death (2025) | Urban seat; grandson contesting; 600,000 voters. |
| NA-143 | NA | Sahiwal-III | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9) | Agricultural; 350,000 voters. |
| NA-185 | NA | Dera Ghazi Khan-II | Zartaj Gul (PTI) | Disqualification (May 9) | Tribal area; PTI boycotted; 300,000 voters. |
| PP-73 | PP | Sargodha-III | Ansar Iqbal Heral (PTI) | Disqualification; 10-year sentence (May 9) | 200,000 voters. |
| PP-98 | PP | Faisalabad-I | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9) | Jat clan influence; 250,000 voters. |
| PP-115 | PP | Faisalabad-XVIII | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9) | 220,000 voters. |
| PP-116 | PP | Faisalabad-XIX | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9) | 230,000 voters. |
| PP-203 | PP | Sahiwal-VI | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9) | Court-ordered; 180,000 voters. |
| PP-269 | PP | Muzaffargarh-II | Alamdar Abbas Qureshi (PPP) | Resignation (pre-recount) | 17 candidates; 190,000 voters. |
| PP-87 | PP | Mianwali-III | Independent (PTI-backed) | Disqualification (May 9); revised schedule | Khan’s home turf; 210,000 voters. |
These disqualifications, upheld by courts, underscore PTI’s post-2024 vulnerabilities, with appeals ongoing in some cases.
Key Contests and New Elected Members: Who Won and Why It Matters Locally
Over 100 candidates vied, but unofficial results (from all polling stations, per Geo and Dawn) show PML-N dominating, with PTI-backed independents trailing amid boycott calls in some seats like NA-185. Here’s a table of winners based on latest unofficial tallies (ECP to confirm; margins indicate landslides):
| Constituency | Winner (Party/Affiliation) | Votes (Unofficial) | Runner-Up | Margin | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA-18 | PML-N candidate | ~85,000 | PTI-backed Ind. | 25,000 | Tight KP race; PML-N breaks PTI hold. |
| NA-96 | Muhammad Bilal Badar Chaudhry (PML-N) | 92,000 | Nawab Sher (Ind./PTI) | 30,000 | Tallal Chaudhry’s brother; economic focus. |
| NA-104 | Raja Daniyal Riaz (PML-N) | 78,000 | Rana Adnan (Ind./PTI) | 22,000 | Prior runner-up; family legacy. |
| NA-129 | Hafiz Mian Muhammad Noman (PML-N) | 110,000 | Chaudhry Arsalan (Ind./PTI) | 40,000 | Azhar’s grandson challenged; urban governance win. |
| NA-143 | Muhammad Tufail Jutt (PML-N) | 65,000 | Zarrar Akbar (Ind./PTI) | 18,000 | Agricultural reforms pledged. |
| NA-185 | Mehmood Qadir Khan Laghari (PML-N) | 55,000 | Dost Muhammad Khosa (PPP) | 15,000 | PTI boycott aided; tribal alliances key. |
| PP-73 | Mian Sultan Ali Ranjha (PML-N) | 45,000 | Mehr Mohsin Raza (Ind./PTI) | 12,000 | Post-Heral vacancy filled. |
| PP-98 | Azad Ali Tabbasum (PML-N) | 52,000 | Ajmal Cheema (Ind./PTI) | 14,000 | Jat support split. |
| PP-115 | Mian Tahir Jamil (PML-N) | 48,000 | Asghar Malik (Ind./PTI) | 10,000 | Infrastructure promises. |
| PP-116 | Rana Shaharyar (PML-N) | 60,000 | Asghar Ali Qaiser (Ind./PTI) | 20,000 | Sanaullah’s son-in-law; prior runner-up. |
| PP-203 | Muhammad Hanif Jutt (PML-N) | 42,000 | Sardar Falak Sher Dogar (Ind.) | 8,000 | Family duo with NA-143 win. |
| PP-269 | Muhammad Hanif (PML-N) | 46,900 | Iqbal Khan (Ind./PTI) | 5,000 | Post-resignation; PPP’s Qureshi out. |
| PP-87 | Ali Haider Noor Khan (PML-N) | 70,000 | Nawabzada Ayaz Niazi (Ind./PTI) | 25,000 | Khan’s turf; emotional PTI push failed. |
New members like the Chaudhry and Jutt families strengthen PML-N’s dynastic networks, focusing on development amid PTI’s opposition role.
Security, Process, and Controversies: A Smooth Day Marred by Allegations
Three-tier security (police, Rangers, army) prevented major incidents, with 20,000+ personnel deployed and no violence reported. Polling (8 AM-5 PM) was peaceful, but PTI alleged rigging via “pre-poll manipulation” and low turnout (blamed on intimidation), echoing 2024 disputes. ECP’s media ban on unofficial results held, but leaks fueled debates; FAFEN praised station-level transparency but flagged tabulation concerns.
Monitoring Results: From Unofficial Tallies to Official Confirmation
Track via ECP’s portal (Form-45/47 uploads expected today) or Dunya News dashboard. Geo/ARY reported 90%+ PML-N leads by midnight November 23; full certification by November 25.
Implications: PML-N’s Punjab Boost and PTI’s Path Forward
PML-N’s haul (12 seats) solidifies its 108+ NA coalition edge, unlocking local funds for Faisalabad industries and Sahiwal farms, but PTI’s 1 seat (if any) sustains morale for 2029. It seems likely these results deepen polarization, with judicial probes into disqualifications pending; economically, new reps prioritise jobs amid 2025’s 7% GDP growth forecast.
Conclusion: Representation Restored, But Questions Linger
November 23’s by-elections refilled Pakistan’s democratic gaps, installing fresh voices like Bilal Chaudhry while spotlighting riot-era scars. As ECP finalizes, these outcomes preview enduring rivalries—watch for appeals. For more, visit FAFEN or ECP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why were by-elections held on November 23, 2025?
By-elections were held to fill 13 vacant seats (6 National Assembly + 7 Punjab Assembly) that became empty due to disqualifications, death, or resignation.
What was the main reason most seats became vacant?
11 out of 13 seats were vacated because the previous lawmakers (mostly PTI-backed) were disqualified and sentenced for their alleged involvement in the violent May 9, 2023 riots after Imran Khan’s arrest.
Which two seats were vacant for reasons other than the May 9 riots?
NA-129 Lahore-XIII: Vacant due to the death of Mian Muhammad Azhar (PTI-backed) in July 2025. PP-269 Muzaffargarh-II: Vacant after PPP’s Alamdar Abbas Qureshi resigned ahead of a recount dispute.
Who were the previous holders of these seats?
Most were PTI-backed independents or Sunni Ittehad Council members who won in the 2024 general elections but were later convicted and disqualified.
How long were the lawmakers disqualified for?
Many received 5–10 year disqualifications under the Anti-Terrorism Act and Article 63(1)(p) of the Constitution.
Did the May 9 riots directly cause all disqualifications?
Yes, in 11 cases. Courts convicted lawmakers for inciting or participating in attacks on military installations, leading to automatic loss of parliamentary membership.
Why is Faisalabad so heavily affected (5 seats)?
Faisalabad had a large number of PTI-backed winners in 2024 who were later convicted in May 9 riot cases, resulting in NA-96, NA-104, PP-98, PP-115, and PP-116 becoming vacant.
Was Mianwali’s PP-87 seat also linked to Imran Khan?
Yes, it was held by a PTI-backed independent and vacated due to May 9 conviction. It is considered Imran Khan’s home constituency.
Who won these by-elections according to unofficial results?
PML-N swept 12 of the 13 seats, with PPP winning PP-269. No PTI-backed independent won any seat.
Will these by-elections change the federal government?
No. The PML-N-led coalition already has a comfortable majority in the National Assembly; these wins only strengthen its position in Punjab.
