Pakistan's Minister Muqam tightens his grip in KP province after PML-N victory in by-poll

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam has tightened his political grip in KP following the party’s notable victory in NA-18 Haripur — an achievement that carries both symbolic and strategic weight in a province long dominated by rival political forces.

The seat vacated following the disqualification of the Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Omer Ayub, was decisively reclaimed by

PML-N with its candidate Babar Nawaz Khan securing 163,996 votes against independent Shehrnaz Omar Ayub's 120,220 votes. The win not only boosts the morale of PML-N workers across KP but also strengthens Muqam’s position as the party’s central architect in the region.

For Muqam, the Haripur win validates years of persistent political groundwork and reflects growing acceptance of his leadership strategy within KP.

Muqam’s strengthened grip in KP marks a significant turning point — not only for his own political trajectory but also for the PML-N’s broader ambitions in the province.

Amir Muqam speaks to the public in Haripur, Pakistan, on Monday.

The Haripur's by-poll victory has shifted perceptions, reactivated networks, and opened space for the party to reassert itself. Whether this momentum evolves into a sustained political resurgence will depend on Muqam’s ability to consolidate gains, navigate KP’s complex political terrain, and translate symbolic wins into lasting influence.

In the lead-up to the election, Muqam amplified his presence in constituencies across Hazara division and northern KP province.

His approach centered on rebuilding local networks, reconciling fragmented party groups, and mobilising support among traders, youth activists, and district-level notables.

He emphasised development-focused politics—advocating improved infrastructure, job creation, and governance reforms—as the foundation of PML-N’s appeal to voters disillusioned with administrative challenges and economic instability.

This disciplined campaign strategy appears to have paid dividends. The Haripur victory not only reaffirmed PML-N’s ability to compete in KP but also demonstrated Muqam’s capacity to turn his sustained efforts into meaningful electoral outcomes.

Party insiders credit Muqam with activating networks that had long been dormant and energising a voter base that previously felt disconnected from the party’s provincial narrative.

Muqam’s strengthened position is also a result of his outspoken critique of KP’s governance landscape.

For months, he has highlighted issues of deteriorating law and order, rising inflation, and governance voids — raising concerns that resonate with the everyday frustrations of KP’s residents.

At the federal level, Muqam has used his platform to advocate for closer coordination between Islamabad and KP, particularly in addressing development disparities and administrative challenges in merged tribal districts.

His emphasis on cooperative federalism contrasts with the often adversarial tone of provincial politics, giving him an additional narrative advantage.

With the Haripur win in hand, his influence within the PML-N’s federal leadership is likely to grow, securing him a more assertive role in shaping the party’s KP strategy.

Muqam’s success in Haripur has solidified his claim to that role. Senior party figures now view him as the linchpin of PML-N’s KP revival, reinforcing his authority to direct future campaigns, candidate selections, and alliance-building efforts.