The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has officially chosen Rashid Bashir Virk as its candidate for the NA-77 Gujranwala by-election. Rashid Bashir is the son of the late Member of National Assembly (MNA) Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk. This decision came after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced the schedule for the upcoming by-election.
Party President Nawaz Sharif personally approved the nomination of Rashid Bashir Virk to represent PML-N in this electoral contest. The by-election is set to take place on November 8, 2026.
As per the ECP’s election timeline, candidates must submit their nomination papers between September 28 and 30. The scrutiny process for these papers will be completed by October 5. Subsequently, election symbols will be allocated to the candidates on October 19.
The NA-77 seat became vacant due to the demise of PML-N lawmaker Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, who passed away in Lahore on September 12 after battling a prolonged illness. Mahmood Bashir Virk had secured this seat during the 2024 general elections, winning 109,704 votes. The runner-up in that election was independent candidate Rashida Tariq, who received 91,825 votes, while Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) candidate Imtiaz Safdar Warraich garnered 17,059 votes.
Following the vacancy declaration by the ECP, the by-election schedule was promptly issued. With Rashid Bashir Virk’s nomination, PML-N has formally entered the race to retain the NA-77 seat. Other political parties and aspirants are also anticipated to announce their candidates as the November 8 polling date approaches.
The electorate of NA-77 will soon choose a new representative for the National Assembly in this by-election, marking a significant political event in Gujranwala.
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