The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election witnessed a decisive victory for PTI-backed candidate Khurram Zeeshan, who secured 91 votes, defeating PML-N’s Taj Afridi, who managed 45 votes. According to unofficial and unconfirmed results, the election marked a significant political development following the disqualification of former PTI leader and opposition leader in the Senate, Shibli Faraz.
Khurram Zeeshan Wins Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate By-Election
Held on Thursday at the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election saw lawmakers cast their votes to fill the vacant seat left by Shibli Faraz’s disqualification. Out of the total votes, one ballot was declared invalid, while five candidates in total contested the by-election.
The atmosphere during the election remained calm and orderly, reflecting a smooth democratic process within the provincial legislature. Khurram Zeeshan’s win reinforces PTI’s political presence in the province, where the party continues to hold significant influence despite facing political challenges at the national level.
The Seat Vacated After Shibli Faraz’s Disqualification
The Senate seat became vacant in August 2025 after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) de-notified nine PTI lawmakers, including Shibli Faraz, following their convictions in the May 9 cases. This disqualification led to the announcement of a Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election, offering opposition parties an opportunity to test their strength in the provincial assembly.
Taj Afridi, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), attempted to reclaim ground for his party but failed to secure enough votes to overcome PTI’s numerical advantage in the assembly. His 45 votes highlighted the limited reach of the PML-N in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a region that has historically favored PTI candidates.
Political Reactions After the Victory
After being declared the winner, Senator-elect Khurram Zeeshan spoke to the media, expressing gratitude to his supporters and reaffirming his political priorities. He stated that his first mission after entering Parliament would be to advocate for the release of PTI founder Imran Khan.
“Our first target is Imran Khan’s release,” Zeeshan emphasized. “There can be no political or economic stability in Pakistan until Imran Khan is freed.” His remarks echo the broader PTI narrative that ties the country’s stability and governance to the release of its imprisoned founder.
KP Chief Minister’s Support for PTI Candidate
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s newly elected Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also played a visible role in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election. Prior to voting, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing confidence in the PTI-backed candidate’s victory. He stated that Imran Khan’s chosen representative would win with a clear majority — a prediction that proved accurate by the end of the count.
This by-election win adds to PTI’s growing influence under Afridi’s leadership in the province. Despite internal divisions and legal hurdles at the federal level, PTI’s ability to secure a majority in this key vote signals its continuing grassroots strength and organizational resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Voter Turnout and Election Conduct
Election officials and observers reported that the voting process for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election proceeded peacefully without major disruptions. Lawmakers arrived early to cast their ballots, and counting began promptly after polls closed.
Out of all ballots cast, only one vote was declared invalid — an indication of a transparent and well-managed electoral process. The Election Commission supervised the voting and counting closely, ensuring adherence to parliamentary procedures and maintaining credibility throughout the by-election.
Significance of the By-Election Outcome
The outcome of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election carries both symbolic and practical significance. Politically, the victory reaffirms PTI’s dominance in the province despite its leadership facing numerous legal and administrative challenges.
It also sends a strong message to rival political forces — particularly the PML-N and PPP — that PTI remains a formidable force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The win strengthens PTI’s representation in the Senate and could play an important role in shaping future legislative dynamics at the federal level.
For PML-N’s Taj Afridi, the loss highlights the continued difficulty of breaking PTI’s hold in KP politics. Despite federal alliances and renewed campaign efforts, the PML-N has yet to gain substantial ground in the province.
Implications for PTI and Parliament
Khurram Zeeshan’s success in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election not only reinforces PTI’s political position but also raises expectations for how the party will navigate upcoming legislative sessions. With renewed representation in the Senate, PTI lawmakers are expected to push more assertively for political reforms and the release of their founder.
The by-election also underscores the importance of maintaining democratic processes amid political turbulence. Despite widespread disqualifications and challenges, Pakistan’s electoral institutions continue to function, providing a platform for political competition and representation.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Senate by-election has reaffirmed PTI’s political strength in the province, with Khurram Zeeshan’s decisive win marking a significant moment following Shibli Faraz’s disqualification. His victory not only secures PTI’s position in the Senate but also renews its call for Imran Khan’s release and broader political stability.
As the new senator prepares to take office, the focus now shifts to how PTI will leverage this win in shaping national politics — and whether it can translate provincial dominance into broader political influence in Pakistan’s evolving political landscape.
