Muhammad Aslam had no choice to cast his vote to any party other than the Pakistan Tehrik e Insaaf (PTI). Not because he loved Imran Khan or despised Hanif Abbasi, the PML-N candidate from NA-56 Rawalpindi, he just couldn't annoy his two young daughters who came along with their father at the polling station.

'I am going to put a stamp on the tiger (the election symbol of the PML-N),' he teased his daughters only to receive bashing from them. Both little girls retorted that father must vote for the PTI.

That was how voting started in two metropolitan constituencies in Rawalpindi. A large number of newly registered voters came out to exercise their constitutional right.

Last time, Shakeel Awan of the PML-N had defeated Sheikh Rashid with a big margin. This time Rashid is vying to take revenge, and that too with the support of the PTI.

'The silent majority and all educated and decent voters are with us. We will make the lion run,' asserted Rashid after casting his ballot. The other party is equally confident. Awan claimed he will repeat his performance in the 2008 general elections and defeat Rashid.

Whatever the case my be, one thing is pretty obvious: the unpredictability.

Likewise, in NA-56 PML-N candidate Hanif Abbasi is facing the mammoth task of proving his popularity against PTI chief Imran Khan.

The polling remained peaceful till mid day and streets of Rawalpindi gave a festive look. However, the security arrangements left much to be desired.