Sympathy and Boycott Shape Contest Between PML-N Heir and Independent in Bahawalpur By-Election

The Bahawalpur NA-168 by-poll, scheduled for Sept 27, features PML-N’s Malik Munir Iqbal Channar, the late MNA’s son, against independent Wali Dad Cheema, whose father Tariq Bashir Cheema once served as a federal minister. PTI has chosen to boycott the vote, leaving its former runner-up Samiullah Chaudhry out of the race, and Cheema is courting PTI sympathisers. The PPP pulled its candidate and publicly backed Channar under a coalition agreement, while local activists note the influence of sympathy voting and the ongoing campaign for a new Seraiki province.

Voters such as Mustafa Khan and Khadim Hussain expressed support for the Channar camp, citing family unity and provincial aspirations, whereas concerns about Cheema’s confrontational tactics were raised. The outcome will reflect how party alliances, regional identity demands, and the PTI boycott shape electoral dynamics in the region.