Polling for the by-election on vacant seat PK-22 of Bajaur district began peacefully on Thursday amid tight security, reported 24NewsDH TV channel.

The voting process was set into motion at all 91 polling stations amid tight security including heavy deployment of police.

According to spokesman of provincial Election Commission, 12 candidates were in the run including five from political parties while seven are contesting as independent.

Strict security measures have been made to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during polling with authorities giving magistrate powers to all security forces incharge officers.

According to an Election Commission notification, the Army has also been on standby as a quick response force.

Reporters Shahid Jan and Usman Khan