Polling for the by-election in NA-171 Rahim Yar Khan-III has commenced today, with voting taking place from 8am to 5pm.
A total of 526,973 registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots, choosing from seven candidates competing for the vacant seat. This by-election follows the death of PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa in August. The primary contenders are Makhdoom Tahir Rashiduddin from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Hassaan Mustafa from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
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The election features 301 polling stations, including 88 designated for male voters, 88 for female voters, and 125 combined stations. Among these, 62 stations are categorized as sensitive, with enhanced security measures such as CCTV cameras in place to ensure a smooth and secure voting process.
To maintain order, Section 144 has been enforced, banning large gatherings and processions. Security has been heightened with the deployment of 2,700 police officers and personnel across the constituency.
Registered male voters number 288,113, while female voters total 238,860. As the election unfolds, voters will determine the future representation for NA-171.
The by-election was necessitated by the passing of PTI MNA Mumtaz Mustafa, who died of a heart attack on August 5 at the Parliament Lodges. According to doctors, he was already deceased by the time he reached the hospital. PTI chief whip Malik Amir Dogar linked Mustafa’s death to mental stress, noting that the MNA had previously expressed concerns about his safety and felt more secure within the Parliament Lodges.
