Senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Rana Sanaullah elected senator in a closely watched Punjab by-election on Tuesday, securing 250 votes out of 251 cast, according to unofficial results.
The victory strengthens the ruling coalition’s position in the Senate and delivers a blow to the opposition, which largely boycotted the process.
The by-election was conducted to fill the Senate seat vacated after the disqualification of PTI’s Ejaz Chaudhry. Chaudhry lost his membership following a 10-year prison sentence in July 2025, handed down in cases related to the May 9, 2023 protests, where government property, military installations, and martyrs’ memorials were attacked.
Sanaullah was fielded as the joint candidate of the ruling alliance, comprising PML-N, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP), and PML-Q. Collectively, the coalition had the support of 263 lawmakers—well above the 180 votes required to clinch the seat.
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Breakdown of votes pledged:
PML-N: 229
PPP: 16
IPP: 7
PML-Q: 11
Despite having a comfortable majority, the government managed to ensure a disciplined voting process, with only one ballot rejected.
The opposition had nominated Salma Ejaz, wife of the disqualified PTI senator, as their candidate. Backed by 100 votes—including 73 from the Sunni Ittehad Council, 24 from PTI, and support from smaller parties—she was initially seen as a symbolic challenger. However, the opposition later announced a boycott, instructing members not to participate. Deputy Opposition Leader Moin Qureshi even warned PTI lawmakers that casting votes would violate party policy.
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Despite the boycott, her nomination papers remained valid as the withdrawal period had expired.
Polling took place at the new Punjab Assembly building under the supervision of the Election Commission of Pakistan. Out of 363 active members, 251 votes were cast. Six PTI lawmakers remain disqualified, while two others have yet to take oath.
