Polling for the by-election in NA-213 began on Thursday under strict security arrangements. The process commenced at 8:00 am and will continue uninterrupted until 5:00 pm.

To facilitate smooth conduct of the election, the Umerkot district is observing a public holiday today. The seat fell vacant following the death of senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nawab Yousaf Talpur.

A total of 18 candidates are in the running, with the main contest between PPP’s Saba Talpur and joint opposition candidate Lal Malhi.

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, the constituency has 608,997 registered voters, including 287,311 women. Voting is being held across 498 polling stations, 98 of which are reserved exclusively for women.

To ensure security, 4,002 police personnel have been deployed, while the Ministry of Interior has authorized the deployment of Rangers. Of the polling stations, 269 have been declared sensitive and 91 highly sensitive.

The electoral process is under strict surveillance to maintain transparency and security throughout the day.