Islamabad, Oct 9, 2025:The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced the schedule for the by-election in NA-1 Chitral Upper-cum-Chitral Lower.
The disqualification of MNA Abdul Latif under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution rendered the National Assembly seat NA-1 Chitral vacant, prompting the Commission to call a new election.
The Peshawar High Court vacated the interim relief previously granted to Abdul Latif through its judgment on October 1, 2025, in multiple writ petitions. Latif later surrended to an anti-terrorism court in Islamabad that had sentenced him in different May 9 cases.
As a result, the ECP initiated the process to fill the vacant seat in accordance with Article 224(4) read with Article 254 of the Constitution.
The Commission set November 23, 2025 (Sunday), as the polling day for the by-election. It issued the election schedule through an official notification on Thursday.
Election Schedule
October 13, 2025: Returning Officer will issue the public notice.
October 15–17, 2025: Candidates will file their nomination papers with the Returning Officer.
October 18, 2025: Returning Officer will publish the names of nominated candidates.
October 22, 2025: Returning Officer will scrutinize the nomination papers.
October 27, 2025: Candidates can file appeals against acceptance or rejection of nomination papers.
November 3, 2025: Appellate Tribunal will decide the appeals.
November 4, 2025: Returning Officer will publish the revised list of candidates.
November 5, 2025: Candidates can withdraw their candidature; Returning Officer will publish the final list.
November 6, 2025: Commission will allot election symbols to candidates.
November 23, 2025: Voters will cast their ballots on polling day.
The announcement sets the stage for a closely watched electoral contest in Chitral, where voters will elect a new representative to the National Assembly after the disqualification of the sitting MNA.
Read: Latif’s Fall and the Quiet Celebration of Political Opportunist.