SWAT: PTI candidate Fazal Maula led the by-election for the provincial assembly PK-7 seat, in Swat, on Sunday, according to unofficial results.

Unofficial results from polling stations so far showed Maula leading the count with 17,500 votes while ANP’s Hussain Ahmad is behind with 14,665 votes.

Earlier polling started at 8:00am and ended at 5:00pm without any break.

As many as four candidates – including Haji Fazal Maula of the PTI, ANP’s Hussain Ahmad Khan, Daulat Khan of the Tehreek-i-Inqilab Political Movement and independent Mohammad Ali Shah are up against each other for the coveted slot, however, a strong contest is expected between the PTI and ANP. The seat fell vacant after the death of ANP MPA Waqar Ahmad Khan from cardiac arrest on April 30.

• Number of voters: 183,308
• Male voters: 102,088
• Female voters: 81,220
• Polling stations: 124
• Polling booths: 308

Strict measures have been taken to control the situation in the area.

The provincial election commission has appealed to the candidates of all political parties and independents candidates to ensure the implementation of the code of conduct issued by the ECP to make polling peaceful.