Muhammad Zeeshan:Â
The Election Commission of Pakistan has announced the complete schedule for the by-election on National Assembly seat NA-256 Khuzdar, which became vacant after the resignation of Muhammad Akhtar Mengal.
According to the official schedule, the Returning Officer will issue a public notice on February 18, 2026. Nomination papers can be submitted from February 20 to February 24. The preliminary list of candidates will be published on February 25, while scrutiny of nomination papers will be completed by March 4.
Appeals against the decisions of the Returning Officer may be filed before the appellate tribunal by March 9. Decisions on these appeals will be announced by March 16, the same day the revised list of candidates will be released.
March 17 has been set as the final date for withdrawal of nomination papers, after which the final list of contesting candidates will be published. Election symbols will be allotted on March 18.
Polling for the by-election will be held on Sunday, April 5, 2026. Election authorities have stated that necessary arrangements will be made to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process. Voters of NA-256 have been urged to participate actively and exercise their democratic right.
