Editorial note: Reviewed 22 July 2026. This article distinguishes official results from later political and legal developments. Check ECP records for final constituency tables and dated party position.
At a glance
| Polling date | 10 October 2002 |
|---|---|
| System | Direct election from territorial constituencies; the wider legal framework differed by election. |
| Primary source | Election Commission of Pakistan reports and notifications. |
Background
The election took place under General Pervez Musharraf after the 1999 military takeover and extensive legal and constitutional changes.
Main competitors
PML-Q emerged as the principal pro-government party; PPP Parliamentarians, the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal and PML-N also contested.
What happened?
No party won an outright majority. PML-Q became the largest bloc.
Government formation and aftermath
Zafarullah Khan Jamali became prime minister with coalition support. The political order combined an elected Parliament with a powerful presidency and continued military influence.
Why this election matters
The election is central to understanding managed transitions, party realignment and the legal engineering of electoral competition.
Questions for further study
- How did the constitutional and electoral rules shape the result?
- Did the votes-to-seats relationship differ across provinces?
- What changed between the official result and the later party position?
- How did this contest affect the next election or constitutional phase?
Sources and further reading
- Election Commission of Pakistan — General Election Reports
- Election Commission of Pakistan — institutional introduction
- Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan — National Assembly
Last reviewed: 22 July 2026. If you spot an error, please use our corrections process.
