Senate By-Election in Punjab Scheduled for May 29, 2025
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has announced that the by-election for the vacant general seat in the Senate from Punjab will be held on May 29, 2025. This seat became vacant following the demise of Senator Professor Sajid Mir on May 3, 2025. Professor Mir, aged 86, was a prominent religious and political figure, serving as the head of the Jamiat Ahle Hadith Pakistan and representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate.
Election Schedule and Procedures
According to the ECP’s notification, the election process will adhere to the following timeline:
Nomination Papers Submission: Candidates can submit their nomination papers on May 14 and 15 at the Provincial Election Commissioner’s office located at 10-Court Street, Lahore.
Publication of Nominated Candidates: The list of nominated candidates will be published on May 16.
Scrutiny of Nomination Papers: The scrutiny process will take place on May 17.
Appeals Submission: Appeals against the acceptance or rejection of nomination papers can be filed by May 20.
Disposal of Appeals: All appeals will be addressed and decided upon by May 22.
Publication of Revised Candidate List: The final list of candidates will be published on May 23.
Withdrawal of Candidature: Candidates may withdraw their nominations by May 24.
Polling Date and Venue: Polling will be conducted on May 29 at the Punjab Assembly chambers in Lahore, with voting hours from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Background on Senator Professor Sajid Mir
Professor Sajid Mir was a seasoned politician and religious scholar. He was elected to the Senate five times, with his most recent term beginning in 2021. His tenure was marked by his commitment to religious education and political service. His passing has left a significant void in the Senate, necessitating this by-election to fill his seat.
Significance of the By-Election
This by-election holds considerable importance as it will determine the representation of Punjab in the Senate. Given the political dynamics of the region, the outcome may influence legislative decisions and party standings within the upper house of Parliament.
The ECP has emphasized its commitment to conducting free and fair elections, ensuring transparency throughout the process. All political parties and candidates are encouraged to participate actively and adhere to the electoral code of conduct.
*Note: This article is based on information available as of May 14, 2025. For the most current updates, please refer t
Pakistan Stock Exchange Soars Over 1,000 Points Amid Ceasefire Optimism
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant surge on May 13, 2025, with the benchmark KSE-100 index climbing over 1,000 points. This rally was primarily driven by renewed investor confidence following the announcement of a ceasefire between Pakistan and India.
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Market Performance
The KSE-100 index opened with a substantial gain of 2,769 points, reaching 120,067.12 from the previous close of 117,297.73. By the end of the trading session, the index settled at 118,575.88, marking an increase of 1,278.15 points or 1.09% .
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Factors Influencing the Surge
1. Ceasefire Announcement: The primary catalyst for the market’s positive movement was the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India. This development alleviated geopolitical tensions, leading to increased investor optimism .
2. IMF Loan Approval: The International Monetary Fund’s approval of a $2.4 billion loan package under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) provided a significant boost to investor sentiment .
3. Monetary Easing: The State Bank of Pakistan’s recent decision to cut interest rates contributed to the bullish trend, making equities more attractive to investors .
4. Global Market Trends: A rally in global equity markets and rising crude oil prices also played a role in enhancing investor confidence in the local market .
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Sectoral Performance
The positive momentum was broad-based, with significant gains observed across various sectors:
Banking and Financial Services: Benefited from improved economic outlook and monetary easing.
Energy: Rising global oil prices positively impacted energy stocks.
Manufacturing and Industrials: Anticipation of increased industrial activity post-ceasefire boosted these sectors.
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Investor Sentiment
Analysts noted that the convergence of geopolitical stability and favorable economic indicators led to a resurgence in investor confidence. The market’s performance suggests a positive outlook for the near term, provided that the current conditions persist.
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Conclusion
The PSX’s significant gain reflects the market’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments and economic policies. Continued stability and prudent economic management are essential to sustain this positive trajectory.
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