Punjab by-elections postponed due to rains

F.P. Report

ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has postponed by-elections in several constituencies across Punjab due to heavy rainfall and widespread flooding.

Voting scheduled in five National Assembly and four Punjab Assembly constituencies will now be conducted at a later date. The ECP confirmed that the decision was taken in the interest of public safety and to ensure a smooth electoral process. Officials noted that the ongoing floods have disrupted transportation and raised concerns over voter access to polling stations.

Polling was originally scheduled for constituencies across Lahore, Sahiwal, Faisalabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, and Mianwali. The postponement affects both urban and rural areas, many of which have experienced significant rainfall over the past week.

The postponed National Assembly constituencies include NA-129 Lahore, NA-143 Sahiwal, NA-66 Wazirabad, NA-104 Faisalabad, and NA-96 Faisalabad. Election officials emphasised that new dates will be announced once conditions stabilise.

On the provincial level, the affected constituencies are PP-98 Faisalabad, PP-203 Sahiwal, PP-73 Sargodha, and PP-87 Mianwali. The ECP stated that logistical arrangements for polling staff and security personnel will be reassessed prior to rescheduling. Residents of these constituencies have been advised to stay updated through official channels. The ECP highlighted that no voter will lose their right to cast a ballot, and all necessary measures will be taken to facilitate participation once conditions allow.