Lahore, Pakistan — In a significant political development, veteran Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique has formally announced his decision to withdraw from the upcoming by-election in NA-129 Lahore, scheduled to take place on September 18, 2025. The announcement has stirred discussions within political circles, especially in Lahore—a key political battleground for major parties.
The by-election has been necessitated due to the demise of senior politician and former federal minister Mian Azhar, whose passing left the seat vacant. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released a comprehensive schedule outlining key dates related to the nomination, scrutiny, appeals, and finalization of candidates.
Background: The Significance of NA-129 Lahore
A Key Constituency in Pakistan’s Political Landscape
NA-129 Lahore holds critical political weight in the national landscape. As one of Lahore’s major constituencies, it has historically witnessed fierce electoral competition between PML-N, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and other emerging political entities. Located in the heart of Punjab, the country’s most populous province, NA-129 is seen as a bellwether for larger political trends.
The constituency covers a strategically important urban and semi-urban voter base, which includes educated middle-class voters, working-class families, and traditional party loyalists. Voter turnout in previous general elections has been relatively high, and any shift in voting patterns here can signal broader changes at the provincial or national level.
Khawaja Saad Rafique’s Withdrawal: A Strategic Political Decision
Official Statement from the PML-N Leader
Khawaja Saad Rafique, a senior leader of PML-N, addressed the media and issued a formal statement declaring his withdrawal from contesting the by-election. He stated:
“Participating in elections is the fundamental right of local candidates. In light of unavoidable political reasons, I have decided not to contest the upcoming by-election in NA-129. I believe it is time for local leadership to step forward and represent the constituency.”
His statement, though respectful and supportive of emerging leadership, has left analysts speculating about the underlying political motives and strategic considerations behind his decision.
Saad Rafique’s Political Career in Brief
Saad Rafique has been an influential figure in Pakistani politics for over two decades. A former federal minister for Railways, he is known for his organizational skills and loyalty to the PML-N leadership, particularly to Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. His electoral victories in Lahore have made him a central figure in shaping urban Punjab’s political dynamics.
By stepping aside, he may be creating space for younger party members or avoiding potential political risks in what could become a tightly contested by-election.
Election Commission Releases Schedule for NA-129 By-Election
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has formally announced the timeline for the NA-129 by-election, ensuring transparency and adherence to democratic protocols.
Key Dates in the Election Schedule:
- Submission of Nomination Papers: August 4 to August 6
- Publication of Preliminary List of Candidates: August 7
- Scrutiny of Nomination Papers: August 8 to August 11
- Appeals Against Rejections or Acceptances: August 12 to August 16
- Decisions on Appeals: By August 20
- Final List of Candidates: To be released shortly after appeals
- Polling Day: September 18, 2025
The ECP has reiterated its commitment to conducting a free, fair, and transparent election, particularly in light of increasing public scrutiny and calls for electoral reforms.
Vacancy Created by the Passing of Mian Azhar
Remembering Mian Azhar: A Veteran Politician
The by-election in NA-129 was triggered by the sad demise of Mian Azhar, a senior figure in Pakistani politics. Known for his long-standing service and statesmanship, Mian Azhar was once affiliated with PML-N, and later played a pivotal role in the formation of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Punjab.
He held several important portfolios during his career and was widely respected across party lines for his commitment to public service. His passing has created a political vacuum in the constituency and sparked a rush among political parties to nominate strong candidates for the seat.
Political Parties Prepare for a Competitive By-Election
PML-N’s Strategy After Rafique’s Withdrawal
With Khawaja Saad Rafique out of the race, the PML-N leadership is expected to field a fresh candidate, possibly a younger figure or a local leader with a strong grassroots presence. The party’s decision will be crucial in retaining the seat, especially as it looks to consolidate its position in Punjab ahead of future general elections.
Names under consideration include:
- Mian Naseer Ahmed – Former MPA with deep ties in Lahore politics
- Ali Pervaiz Malik – Son of the late Pervaiz Malik, another prominent Lahore figure
- Hamza Shehbaz Sharif – Though unlikely, some speculate a surprise candidacy
PTI Eyes a Comeback Despite Challenges
Despite internal turmoil and leadership setbacks, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is gearing up for a strong campaign. The party views NA-129 as a potential pickup opportunity, especially if PML-N fails to unite its voter base in Rafique’s absence.
Possible PTI candidates include:
- Dr. Yasmin Rashid – A veteran PTI campaigner in Lahore
- Jamshed Iqbal Cheema – Former candidate with urban appeal
PTI’s ability to mobilize its core supporters and navigate the post-Mian Azhar landscape will determine its chances.
Third-Party and Independent Candidates May Gain Ground
Parties like the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) may also contest, though they have historically struggled to gain traction in this constituency. However, given the potential for vote-splitting and low voter turnout, even independent candidates or minor parties could play a spoiler role.
Public Sentiment and Voter Expectations
As the campaign season kicks off, voters in NA-129 are expected to focus on pressing local issues, including:
- Infrastructure and road development
- Access to clean drinking water
- Load shedding and electricity outages
- Educational and employment opportunities
Many voters have expressed frustration with unfulfilled promises made in previous campaigns, and candidates will need to present credible action plans, not just slogans, to win their trust.
The youth vote, in particular, will be pivotal, with thousands of first-time voters expected to cast their ballots. Social media outreach, door-to-door campaigns, and constituency engagement will be critical for success.
Security Measures and Electoral Reforms
The ECP has confirmed coordination with law enforcement agencies to ensure a peaceful and secure polling day. Measures include:
- Deployment of Rangers and police personnel at sensitive polling stations
- Installation of CCTV cameras at key locations
- Use of biometric verification systems in select polling booths (pilot project)
Election observers from local watchdog groups such as Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) and Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) are also expected to monitor the process.
Conclusion: A By-Election with National Significance
Though technically a local contest, the NA-129 Lahore by-election is being closely watched by political analysts and media commentators across Pakistan. The decision by a high-profile leader like Khawaja Saad Rafique to step back adds intrigue to the unfolding political narrative.
As the campaign unfolds in the coming weeks, the focus will shift to party strategy, candidate selection, public response, and voter turnout. The outcome could offer early indicators of party strength heading into the next general election cycle and signal whether the PML-N can maintain its dominance in urban Punjab.
