PML-N congratulates PTI on ‘landslide victory’ in Punjab by-polls

The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has "conceded defeat and congratulated" its arch-rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on victory in crucial by-elections on Punjab Assembly’s 20 seats.

The unofficial and initial results on Sunday showed that PTI candidates secured victory in Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Sahiwal and Khushab provincial assembly seats while the party took the lead by a clear majority in 15 constituencies of the province.

In a tweet from her official handle, PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz, who spearheaded her party’s by-election campaign, said the ruling party should accept the election results with an open heart.

“One should bow before the decision of the people. Winning and losing is the part of the politics,” she added.

Maryam also called for carrying out introspection saying efforts should be made to identify and overcome shortcomings. "God willing, everything will be fine."

Former Punjab government minister Malik Mohammad Ahmed, who stepped down just days ahead of the by-polls to run the election campaign, accepted the defeat, saying that the PTI has secured a “landslide victory” in the make-or-break by-elections.

Also read: Major upset on the cards as PTI leads in crucial Punjab by-polls

“We wholeheartedly accept the opinion of the people," he said while speaking to a local TV channel.

Ruling party Senator Afnanullah Khan said: “I congratulate PTI on winning the by-elections. For PMLN, introspection is the need of the hour.”

Meanwhile, PTI Chairman Imran Khan said his party is winning at least 15 seats of the provincial assembly. “But it is very important for all our people on duty in all polling stations not to leave their posts till official results have been obtained from the Returning Officers,” he added in a tweet.