PTI-backed independent candidate Khurram Zeeshan has been elected as a senator from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, securing the seat that became vacant following the disqualification of Shibli Faraz.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) confirmed Zeeshan’s victory in the Senate by-election held on Thursday. Zeeshan, who had PTI’s backing, ran as an independent candidate after the party’s electoral symbol was revoked. His win further solidifies PTI-backed representation from the province in the upper house of Parliament.
The seat had fallen vacant after Shibli Faraz, a close aide of PTI founder Imran Khan, was disqualified by the ECP under charges of holding dual nationality. The decision had led to a by-election being scheduled promptly to fill the vacant position.
According to polling officials, the election process remained largely peaceful, with a high voter turnout among provincial assembly members. The PTI-backed bloc demonstrated strong unity during the voting, ensuring a decisive win for Zeeshan.
In a brief statement after his victory, Khurram Zeeshan thanked the provincial lawmakers for their support and vowed to represent the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with dedication. He emphasized that his priority would be to “protect the constitutional rights of the province and uphold democratic principles.”
Meanwhile, political observers view this outcome as a symbolic boost for PTI in the Senate, despite ongoing legal and political challenges facing the party leadership. They believe Zeeshan’s election reflects the continued influence of PTI-aligned lawmakers in KP.
Earlier this week, senior leaders including President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari held consultations over the political landscape and government formation in Azad Kashmir, highlighting the evolving political dynamics within Pakistan.
Khurram Zeeshan is expected to take oath in the upcoming Senate session, officially replacing Shibli Faraz and joining the upper house as a key representative from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
