ECP Announces By-Election Schedule for Vacant Senate Seat After Senator Sajid Mir’s Demise

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released the official schedule for the upcoming by-election to fill the vacant Senate seat from Punjab, following the recent passing of senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader, Senator Prof. Sajid Mir.

According to the ECP notification, polling for the Senate seat will be held on May 29, 2025, inside the Punjab Assembly building in Lahore. The electoral process is set to formally begin with the issuance of a public notice on May 13.

As per the schedule, nomination papers for candidates will be accepted on May 14 and 15, while the scrutiny process will be completed by May 17. Any appeals regarding the acceptance or rejection of nominations can be filed until May 20. The final list of candidates will be issued on May 23, and candidates will have the option to withdraw their nomination papers by May 24.

The ECP has appointed Provincial Election Commissioner Punjab, Sharifullah, as the Returning Officer for the by-election. The polling team will also include senior officials such as Joint Election Commissioner (Elections) Abdul Qayyum Shinwari, Director (Admin) Zahid Subhani, Deputy Director (Elections) Basil Akram, and District Election Commissioner Nankana Sahib Roy Sultan Bhatti.

The Senate seat became vacant after the death of Senator Prof. Sajid Mir, who passed away on May 3 at the age of 86. A respected figure in both religious and political circles, he had served multiple terms in the Senate. His most recent tenure was scheduled to continue until 2027.