Mianwali gears up for PP-87 by-polls

The by-election for Punjab Assembly constituency PP-87 Mianwali is underway today (November 23), with polling arrangements entering their final phase. Three candidates are contesting the seat: Ali Haider of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with the election symbol Tiger, independent candidate Nawabzada Ayaz Khan with the symbol Hookah, and JUP's Khalid Masood Khan with the symbol Key.

The main contest, however, is expected between independent candidate Nawabzada Ayaz Khan Niazi and PML-N's Ali Haider Noor Khan. The seat fell vacant after PTI's former opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmed Khan Bhacher — who won the constituency three consecutive times — was convicted in cases related to the May 9 incidents.

Due to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) decision to boycott the by-election, officials fear a lower turnout, which is likely to benefit the PML-N candidate, Ali Haider Noor Khan. However, if a significant number of PTI voters decide to turn out despite the boycott, Nawabzada Ayaz Khan could also secure an edge.

In the 2024 general elections, PTI enjoyed a massive support base in PP-87, with Malik Ahmed Khan Bhacher securing 108,000 votes.