Polling is underway in the PP-52 constituency of Sialkot today (Sunday) to elect a new member for the Punjab Assembly, following the death of PML-N lawmaker Arshad Warraich.

Polling began at 8am across the constituency and will continue uninterrupted till 5pm, according to the Election Commission of Punjab. Officials confirmed that the polling process started on time at all designated stations and that the delivery of election materials was completed in advance to ensure a smooth electoral exercise.

A total of 297,185 voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the by-election, with 157,725 male and 139,460 female registered voters in the constituency.

The by-poll has drawn significant attention, with key candidates including Hina Arshad, the daughter of the late MPA and PML-N nominee, contesting against PTI-backed Fakhir Nishat and PPP’s Raheel Kamran Cheema.

Punjab’s Election Commissioner stated that strict security arrangements have been put in place to maintain law and order, with police and Rangers deployed across sensitive polling stations.

“Polling is proceeding peacefully and citizens should come forward to exercise their democratic right without fear,” the commissioner said in a statement, urging voters to fulfil their national responsibility.

The PP-52 seat became vacant in April following the demise of Arshad Warraich, a senior PML-N leader who had held the constituency multiple times. His daughter Hina is widely seen as attempting to capitalise on the sympathy vote as the party aims to retain its traditional stronghold.

Both the PTI-backed and PPP candidates have accused the ruling party of using state machinery to influence the electoral process — allegations the administration has denied.