Waqar Mehdi Wins Senate By-Election in Sindh Province
Mehdi's win is a testament to the PPP's strong presence in Sindh province, and his tenure as senator will be closely monitored as he navigates the complexities of the upper house. The election commission's efficient conduct of the by-election has also been praised, ensuring a smooth and transparent process.
Syed Waqar Mehdi, a candidate from the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), has secured 111 votes to win the by-election for the vacant general seat in the Senate from Sindh province, while Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan's (MQM-P) Nighat Mirza received 36 votes.
The by-election was held on May 6, 2025, at the Sindh Assembly building in Karachi, with polling taking place from 9 am to 4 pm. Provincial Election Commissioner Ejaz Anwar Chohan acted as the returning officer and expressed satisfaction with the preparations made by the Election Commission of Pakistan. The seat became vacant due to the death of Senator Taj Haider, and Mehdi will serve as a senator for approximately two years until March 2027.
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) boycotted the polling process, leaving the contest between Syed Waqar Mehdi and Nighat Mirza. The Election Commission of Pakistan had made necessary arrangements for the by-election, and the polling process was conducted smoothly without any breaks.
With Syed Waqar Mehdi's victory, the PPP has retained the Senate seat, and Mehdi is expected to play a crucial role in the upper house of parliament. The by-election's outcome is seen as a significant development in the country's political landscape, and its implications will be closely watched in the coming days.