PML-N’s Hina Arshad Wins Punjab Assembly Seat Amid Rigging Allegations in Sialkot Polls

PML-N candidate Hina Arshad Warraich secured a decisive victory in the PP-52 (Sambrial) by-election held on Sunday, according to preliminary results released by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). She won with 78,702 votes, defeating independent candidate Fakhar Nishat Ghuman, backed by PTI, who received 39,018 votes. PPP’s Raheel Kamran Cheema and TLP’s Muhammad Shafqat trailed with 6,832 and 4,851 votes respectively.

The seat fell vacant after the death of PML-N MPA Arshad Javed Warraich, Hina’s father. The by-election was closely watched as a contest primarily between PML-N and PTI, with PPP also mounting a strong campaign.

While voting remained largely peaceful at 185 polling stations, verbal clashes between PTI supporters and police were reported at some locations. PTI accused the Punjab government and police of interfering in the election, claiming their polling agents were removed and alleging rigging supported by video evidence. The Provincial Election Commissioner rejected these claims, confirming uninterrupted voting.

Security measures included placing containers outside the Returning Officer’s office, a move criticized by PTI and PPP, the latter staging a protest in Sambrial. Former premier and PPP leader Raja Pervaiz Ashraf echoed concerns about alleged rigging and irregularities during polling.

The ECP recorded a voter turnout of 44.79% from 297,185 registered voters. Out of 133,096 ballots cast, 130,837 were valid.

After her win, Warraich dedicated her success to the people of Sambrial, pledging to serve them diligently. She thanked Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz for her support. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and CM Maryam Nawaz also congratulated Warraich, highlighting the victory as a sign of public trust in PML-N’s governance and policies.

Source: Web Desk