PML-N Channar clinches Bahawalpur by-poll victory

PML-N candidate Malik Munir Iqbal Channar has emerged victorious in the NA-168 (Bahawalpur-V) by-election, according to unofficial results.

Channar secured 62,713 votes, while independent candidate Wali Dad Cheema received 31,293 votes. The unofficial count showed Channar with nearly twice as many votes as his main rival.

The National Assembly seat became vacant after the death of Malik Muhammad Iqbal Channar. The PML-N nominated his son, Malik Munir Iqbal Channar, to contest the by-election.

Polling was held at 292 stations across the constituency. The voting process remained largely peaceful, although some polling stations reported disputes, administrative issues and complaints regarding voter lists.

The provincial election authorities said voting was briefly suspended at a polling station in Akhtarabad after a dispute broke out between voters. The incident reportedly followed allegations that political workers had misbehaved with election staff. Police and election officials intervened and brought the situation under control.

Voter turnout was relatively low during the first half of the day. Polling staff reported limited activity in several stations during the morning, but participation increased after noon, including among women voters.

Several rural polling stations, particularly in areas regarded as strongholds of the Channar family, saw heavier voter participation.

Channar alleged that some individuals attempted to disrupt the polling process and stamp ballot papers in favour of his opponent. He said the people involved were removed and voting resumed after the disruption.

Meanwhile, some voters at a polling station in Bahawalpur’s 3-Marla Housing Scheme complained that police personnel had prevented voters with CNIC addresses from Yazman from casting their ballots.

Following the unofficial results, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Malik Munir Iqbal Channar and Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar. The prime minister said the result reflected voters’ confidence in the PML-N candidate and praised the people of Bahawalpur for choosing their representative.