Lahore celebrates Kulsoom's victory in NA-120 by-poll
The wife of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif is all set to be officially declared victorious after securing majority votes in the parliamentary by-election for her husband's seat in NA-120, which became vacant when Sharif was ousted from office.
Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz led the campaign on behalf of her ailing mother Kulsoom Nawaz, the candidate, who is being treated for throat cancer in London.
The seat has long been controlled by Sharif and his allies, but the by-election was seen as a test of the popularity of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.
“Today people have given their verdict over the (court) verdict,” Maryam told a jubilant crowd gathered at the party's office.
The unofficial results were compiled by officers at polling stations and handed to officials from contesting parties. Election Commission of Pakistan will announce the final and official on September 18.
Sharif's supporters celebrated in the streets Sunday night, dancing to drums and songs blaring from loudspeakers and shouting slogans while the Lahore sky was lit by fireworks.
Sweets were distributed by the workers and supporters to celebrate the expected victory.