LAHORE | NOVEMBER 10, 2026 : Pakistan’s Punjab government has questioned how the Pakistan Markazi Muslim League (PMML), a party linked to Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, was able to contest a parliamentary by-election in Gujranwala, triggering a political confrontation with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
The controversy erupted on Tuesday following the by-election in NA-77 Gujranwala, where PML-N candidate Rashid Bashir Virk secured more than 43,000 votes, defeating PMML candidate Muhammad Ibrahim Gujjar, who received approximately 30,000 votes.
🔴 PUNJAB GOVERNMENT SEEKS ELECTION COMMISSION’S INTERVENTION
Punjab Information and Culture Minister Azma Bokhari questioned how organisations declared proscribed by the state could allegedly change their names and participate openly in political activities.
She urged the Election Commission of Pakistan to examine the participation of parties allegedly supported by terrorist organisations, describing the issue as a significant challenge for the state.
Bokhari asserted that the outcome reflected a victory for public service and governance over what she described as the politics of violence and terrorism.
⚡ MARYAM NAWAZ TARGETS RIVAL GROUPS
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also criticised the opposition following the PML-N victory.
According to her, several rival groups, including banned organisations and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), contested against the ruling party under different names but failed to defeat its candidate.
Her remarks further intensified the political exchange surrounding the by-election and the eligibility of parties facing allegations of links to proscribed organisations.
🗳️ PMML REJECTS RESULTS, ALLEGES RIGGING
The Pakistan Markazi Muslim League rejected the by-election outcome, alleging widespread electoral rigging and violations of the election code of conduct.
The allegations set the stage for further political controversy over the conduct and credibility of the Gujranwala bypoll.
❓ QUESTIONS OVER ALLEGED LINKS AND POLITICAL PATRONAGE
The report also highlighted previous instances in which Pakistani political figures were said to have shown support or appreciation for the party and individuals associated with Hafiz Saeed.
Minister of State for Interior Senator Talal Chaudhry had reportedly visited the party’s office in Faisalabad and appreciated its work. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan had also reportedly praised Saeed at a public rally.
The report further noted that senior Punjab government officials attended the funerals of Jamaat-ud-Dawa members killed during Indian strikes on terror camps during the four-day India-Pakistan conflict in May 2025.
These reported instances have added another dimension to questions about the treatment of organisations and individuals accused of links to terrorism within Pakistan’s political landscape.
🌏 A WIDER POLITICAL AND SECURITY DEBATE
The Gujranwala by-election has brought renewed attention to the relationship between Pakistan’s electoral politics, proscribed organisations and the enforcement of restrictions on groups accused of militant links.
The Punjab government’s questions, the PML-N’s electoral victory and PMML’s allegations of rigging have placed the party’s participation under fresh scrutiny.
The key question now is whether Pakistan’s Election Commission will examine the concerns raised by the Punjab government and address the allegations surrounding the by-election.
