PPP candidate ahead in RY Khan by-election

Unofficial results from 301 polling stations after voting in by-elections in the National Assembly constituency NA-171 in Rahim Yar Khan showed PPP candidate Makhdoom Tahir Rasheeduddin leading with over 116,000 votes against PTI-backed candidate Hasaan Mustafa advocate's 58,000.

Celebrations began at the Makhdoom House in Mianwali Qureshiyan by PPP supporters after then initial results. The NA-171 seat had fallen vacant after the sudden death of Rais Mumtaz Mustafa advocate.

A public holiday was declared in the district for the polling that took place from 8am to 5pm. A total of 2,700 police personnel were assigned for election security duty at the 301 polling stations set up for 526,000 voters. Section 144 had been imposed across the district the day before the election.

Seven candidates, contested the election. The main contest was between PPP's Makhdoom Tahir Rasheeduddin, former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin and PTI's Hassan Mustafa.

Throughout the day, altercations occurred between PPP and PTI workers at various polling stations. Due to tensions, the polling had to be temporarily suspended at a few polling stations.

Two provincial assembly members from the PTI, along with party workers, were detained for arriving at polling stations without authority letters.