By-Election Results: PML-N Keeps NA-77 and PP-203

By-election results from Punjab on Sunday, November 8, 2026, confirmed that the ruling PML-N has retained both seats that were up for grabs. The party won the National Assembly seat NA-77 in Gujranwala and the provincial assembly seat PP-203 in Chichawatni. Polling began at 8 in the morning and ended at 5 in the evening. The Election Commission of Pakistan said the process remained largely peaceful and uninterrupted. The by-election results were announced on the basis of unofficial counts, and they are still subject to confirmation by the Election Commission.

In NA-77, PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk secured 43,365 votes. The figure comes from Form-47, the provisional consolidated statement of results from the constituency's 333 polling stations. His rival, Pakistan Markazi Muslim League candidate Muhammad Ibrahim Gujjar, bagged 30,218 votes. Eleven candidates contested the seat. Major opposition parties, including the PTI, the PPP and the JI, did not field any candidates. Voter turnout in NA-77 stood at 15.6 percent, which is low by any measure.

The NA-77 seat had fallen vacant after the death of five-time PML-N MNA Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk. He died on September 11 after a prolonged illness. Rashid Bashir Virk, who won the seat, is his son. The win keeps the seat within the same family, and it keeps the PML-N's hold on the constituency intact. The party had held the seat for years, and Sunday's result means that hold continues.

In PP-203, PML-N candidate Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt won with 42,114 votes. His closest rival, Muhammad Awais Mahmood of Tehreek-i-Ehsas Pakistan, secured 24,512 votes. The figures also come from Form-47. Voter turnout in PP-203 was 27.6 percent, higher than in NA-77 but still low. The by-election results in PP-203 gave the PML-N a clear margin of more than 17,000 votes over its nearest rival.

The PP-203 seat had fallen vacant after the death of PML-N MPA Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt. He died of cardiac arrest on September 17. Asad Hanif Jutt is his son, and he has now taken the seat his father held. Some outlets reported slightly different PP-203 figures from unofficial counts during the night. The figures in this report are the Form-47 figures, which are the official consolidated statement. All results remain unofficial until the Election Commission confirms them.

By-Election Results: NA-77 Gujranwala

The by-election results for NA-77 show a clear win, but they also show how few voters turned out. Only 15.6 percent of registered voters cast a ballot. That means more than eight out of every ten voters stayed away. The low turnout is a pattern seen in many by-elections in Pakistan. Voters often treat by-elections as less important than general elections, and parties struggle to bring them out.

One village in Gujranwala boycotted the polling completely. The boycott was a protest, and it meant no votes were cast from that village at all. The Election Commission reported an otherwise peaceful process across both constituencies. Polling staff worked through the day, and no major incident of violence was reported. The peaceful process was one of the few bright spots in a day marked by low interest from voters.

By-Election Results: PP-203 Chichawatni

The by-election results in PP-203 were clearer than in NA-77. Asad Hanif Jutt won by more than 17,000 votes, a margin that left little doubt about the outcome. Turnout was 27.6 percent, which is better than NA-77 but still far below general election levels. The PML-N's campaign focused on the legacy of the late MPA, and voters in Chichawatni appear to have responded to that message.

Tehreek-i-Ehsas Pakistan put up the main challenge in PP-203. Its candidate, Muhammad Awais Mahmood, won 24,512 votes. That is a respectable tally for a smaller party, but it was not enough to threaten the PML-N's lead. The result shows that the PML-N still holds a strong base in Chichawatni. The party has now kept both seats it defended on Sunday.

By-Election Results: Low Turnout and a Boycott

Low turnout was the main talking point of the day. In NA-77, only 15.6 percent of voters turned out. In PP-203, the figure was 27.6 percent. Both numbers are low, and they raise questions about how much by-elections engage the public. Parties will study the figures closely, because low turnout can change the shape of a contest.

The Election Commission also issued explanation notices to five PML-N women lawmakers. The notices relate to alleged violations of the election code of conduct during the campaign. The lawmakers have been asked to explain their conduct. The notices show that the Commission was watching the campaign closely, even though polling day itself passed without major trouble.

By-Election Results: The ECP Notices and the Helicopter Claim

The by-election results could still face a challenge. On November 7, the Election Commission directed local authorities to investigate claims about Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. The claim is that he travelled to NA-77 by helicopter and attended a public gathering during the election period. The Commission summoned those named for a hearing.

The Election Commission warned that the NA-77 result could be withheld pending a final decision on the matter. That means the win for Rashid Bashir Virk is not yet fully secure. If the Commission finds a violation, it can take action under the election laws. For now, the result stands on the Form-47 figures, but the hearing will decide whether it stays that way.

By-Election Results: Reactions and the Lyari Vote

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Rashid Bashir Virk on the by-election success. He also credited the leadership of Nawaz Sharif and the efforts of Maryam Nawaz for the party's victory. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif thanked voters after the wins in both constituencies. She said the government would speed up its work on development and public service.

In a separate local government by-election, PPP candidate Khalil Ahmed Hoat won the Lyari LG by-election with 5,109 votes. The win gives the PPP a local victory on a day when the PML-N took the two Punjab seats. The results across the country show that the ruling parties held their ground, but the low turnout shows that voters were not excited by the contests.

By-Election Results: Frequently Asked Questions

What do the by-election results show?

The by-election results show that the PML-N retained both Punjab seats. Rashid Bashir Virk won NA-77 Gujranwala, and Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt won PP-203 Chichawatni.

How many votes did the winners get?

Rashid Bashir Virk secured 43,365 votes in NA-77, while Muhammad Asad Hanif Jutt won 42,114 votes in PP-203, according to Form-47 figures.

How low was turnout in the by-election results?

Voter turnout was 15.6 percent in NA-77 and 27.6 percent in PP-203. Both figures are low, and one village in Gujranwala boycotted polling completely.

Are the by-election results final?

No. All results are unofficial and subject to confirmation by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The NA-77 result could also be withheld pending a hearing on a code of conduct claim.

Why were the by-elections held?

The NA-77 seat fell vacant after the death of Chaudhry Mehmood Bashir Virk on September 11. The PP-203 seat fell vacant after the death of Chaudhry Muhammad Hanif Jutt on September 17.