Overview of the By-Election
A crucial by-election for a vacant Senate seat from Sindh is scheduled to take place today, May 6, 2025. The seat became vacant following the passing of senior Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Senator Taj Haider, a respected veteran politician and founding member of the PPP. In a politically charged atmosphere, this by-election has garnered significant attention as two prominent candidates—Waqar Mehdi from the Pakistan Peoples Party and Nighat Mirza from Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P)—prepare to go head-to-head.
The outcome is expected to reflect not only the current political standing of the parties within the Sindh Assembly but also offer insights into their influence ahead of future legislative activities and upcoming local elections.
Polling Details and Voting Process
According to the Secretary of the Sindh Assembly, polling will be conducted from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM within the Sindh Assembly building. A total of 161 members of the Sindh Assembly are eligible to cast their votes. The party-wise breakdown is as follows:
- Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP): 116 members
- Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P): 36 members
- Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI): 5 members
- Others/Independents: 4 members
To secure victory, a candidate must secure at least 81 votes, which constitutes a simple majority of the total house strength.
Candidates in the Spotlight
Waqar Mehdi – PPP’s Trusted Political Strategist
Waqar Mehdi is a seasoned politician and a loyalist of the Pakistan Peoples Party. He previously served as a Senator and holds a strong reputation within Sindh’s political circles. Mehdi has served in various administrative and organizational capacities in the PPP, particularly in Karachi, and is known for his grassroots-level outreach and mobilization skills.
Given PPP’s numerical advantage in the Sindh Assembly, his chances of winning are deemed quite strong. The party is confident in retaining the Senate seat, which has traditionally been its stronghold in Sindh.
Nighat Mirza – MQM-P’s Experienced Contender
Nighat Mirza is a senior member of MQM-Pakistan and has previously served in the Sindh Assembly. Known for her firm stance on urban issues, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad, Mirza has emerged as a prominent voice for the Urdu-speaking community. Her candidacy reflects MQM-P’s attempt to reassert its political relevance in Sindh, particularly after years of internal restructuring and electoral setbacks.
PPP’s Dominance in Sindh Assembly
The PPP has maintained a dominant position in the Sindh Assembly since the 2018 general elections. With 116 out of 161 seats, it enjoys a comfortable majority, allowing it to legislate and influence major appointments with relative ease. This majority makes Waqar Mehdi’s victory almost certain unless an extraordinary political realignment or last-minute deal occurs.
PPP leaders, including Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, have expressed confidence in the electoral outcome. The party also views this by-election as an opportunity to honor the legacy of Taj Haider by continuing his progressive vision through Waqar Mehdi.
MQM-Pakistan’s Strategic Move
Despite being at a numerical disadvantage, MQM-P has chosen to contest the Senate by-election to demonstrate its continued relevance in urban Sindh politics. With 36 seats in the provincial assembly, MQM-P cannot win on its own but aims to send a message to its voter base and political rivals that it remains an active participant in democratic processes.
The party’s campaign has focused on governance, development issues in urban areas, and the need for better representation of Karachi’s residents in the Senate. While a victory is unlikely, MQM-P believes that a strong showing can boost its morale and influence in future negotiations.
PTI’s Role and Position
With only five seats in the Sindh Assembly, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is a marginal player in this contest. However, its votes may still prove significant if any unexpected coalition or voting strategy emerges. Given the current political friction between PTI and PPP, it is improbable that PTI members would support the PPP candidate. At the same time, PTI’s stance on supporting MQM-P is also ambiguous.
Observers believe that PTI may abstain from voting or cast symbolic votes to demonstrate opposition to the PPP’s dominance.
Security and Administrative Arrangements
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), in collaboration with the Sindh Assembly Secretariat, has finalized all necessary arrangements to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and orderly polling process. Additional security personnel have been deployed in and around the Assembly premises to prevent any disruptions or attempts to influence the voting process.
Polling stations within the Assembly have been equipped with surveillance systems, and authorized election staff have been assigned to oversee the proceedings. Ballot papers and ballot boxes have been securely transported and sealed under the supervision of election officials.
Remembering Taj Haider: The Vacated Seat
The seat being contested today was previously held by Senator Taj Haider, a senior figure in the PPP and a staunch advocate for democracy, social justice, and provincial autonomy. His death in March 2025 was a significant loss for the party and the Senate. Haider played an instrumental role in drafting the party’s progressive policies and was highly respected across party lines.
Replacing such a figure is a challenge, and Waqar Mehdi’s nomination is being positioned as a continuation of Haider’s legacy. The PPP has reiterated its commitment to upholding Haider’s values of inclusive politics and legislative integrity.
Implications of the By-Election
Although this Senate by-election involves only a single seat, its outcome holds broader political implications. A victory for the PPP would reinforce its grip on Sindh and the Senate, helping it to pass legislation and support federal-level initiatives. It could also be interpreted as a reaffirmation of public and institutional confidence in PPP’s provincial governance.
On the other hand, MQM-P’s participation, despite being outnumbered, is a strategic move to stay politically visible. It sets the stage for the party to be a key player in urban development dialogues and to form alliances in future elections.
Final Thoughts: A Test of Strength and Symbolism
As the voting unfolds today, political analysts will be closely observing both the outcome and the internal dynamics within the Sindh Assembly. While Waqar Mehdi is expected to win due to PPP’s overwhelming majority, the margin of victory and the voting behavior of smaller parties will offer clues about future political alignments in Sindh.
This by-election is more than just a formality—it is a test of party discipline, political messaging, and strategic foresight in one of Pakistan’s most politically active provinces.
