The polling process for by-polls in Multan’s NA-148 commenced on Sunday amid tight security arrangements. It started at 8am and will continue till 5pm without any interruption.

A tough contest is likely between PPP candidate Syed Ali Qasim Gilani and Sunni Ittehad Council’s Taimur Malik Altaf Mahay.

The national assembly seat became vacant after Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani assumed charge of the Senate chairman.

In the general elections, Gilani defeated Mahay by a narrow margin. However, a tough competition is being expected between Ali Qasim Gilani, the son of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, and Malik Taimur Altaf Mahay.

About 444,000 voters will cast their votes in the by-elections. Out of 275 polling stations, 69 are termed sensitive polling stations.

Also, read this

Aseefa Bhutto sworn in as MNA

PPP open to seeking ministries if situation arises, says Khurshid Shah

Asif Ali Zardari takes oath as president of Pakistan for second term

CCTV cameras have also been installed at the sensitive polling stations. As many as 3,800 policemen were on duty.

The Punjab election commissioner said that foolproof security arrangements have been made and urged voters to cast their votes.