PML-N’s Shaista Pervaiz Malik wins NA-133 Lahore by-poll

LAHORE: The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz candidate Shaista Pervaiz Malik secured a victory in the NA-133 Lahore by-poll on Sunday, according to unofficial reports from the polling stations.

Shaista won the seat by securing 46,811 votes against Pakistan Peoples Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Aslam Gill, who received 32,313 votes. The voter turn out on this seat remained 18.49 percent.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Maryam Nawaz has expressed her delight on Malik’s victory through a tweeter message.

Earlier, all necessary polling and administrative arrangements were in place to ensure free, fair and transparent electoral process which continued till 5:00 pm this evening.

Foolproof security arrangements were also in place at total 254 polling stations in the constituency where 4, 40,085 registered voters could exercise their right to vote. Rangers and other security forces were deployed in the constituency to maintain peace and order.

PML-N supporters celebrate NA-133 Win. Photo: Mohsin Raza

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Viewing the coronavirus situation, the standard operating procedures announced by the government were followed at all the polling stations.

Pakistan Muslim League-N (PML-N)’s candidate Shaista Malik and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)’s Aslam Gill along with 11 other candidates are taking part in electoral process.

Jubilations all across PML-N party offices after NA-133 Lahore win. Photo: Mohsin Raza

The seat fell vacant after PML-N MNA Pervaiz Malik died of a heart disease on October 11.

A close contest is expected between the two parties in the absence of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) candidate from the constituency.

Voters stand outside the polling station to inquire about their voting number in by-elections of NA-133 in Lahore, 5 December,2021. Image: Bol TV/ Mohsin Raza

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The past elections in NA-133 had generally been considered a cakewalk for the PML-N, but now, the scenario has changed due to an effective election campaign of the PPP that was led by its Central Punjab president and former prime minister of Pakistan Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.

An elderly man arrives at a polling station in NA-133 in Lahore, on 5 December,2021. Image: Bol TV/ Mohsin Raza

The pundits of politics have predicted an upset in the constituency where the PPP has fielded an old guard from Lahore, Chaudhry Mohammad Aslam Gill, who will be contesting against PML-N’s Shaista Pervaiz Malik. However, Ms Malik is likely to get sympathy votes as she is widow of the PML-N leader who died on October 11, following which the seat fell vacant.

Supporters of Pakistan Muslim League- N chant slogans in favour of PML-N outside a polling station on 5 December, 2021.

Rangers stand in front of polling station during by election of NA-133 in Lahore, 5 December, 2021. Image: Bol TV/ Mohsin Raza

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