By Shehzad Khan:
Mingora: Local leaders and candidates of Local Government (LG polls) in various constituencies in Swat district have made a mutual accord to refrain the women population from casting their vote, a constitutional right in the upcoming LG poll on 30 May.
The mutual agreement was unanimously approved by local elders, local statesmen and candidates of mainstream political parties at a Jerga held in Odigram, an area of Swat district.
According to sources privy to the scribe, owing to the conduction of LG polls peacefully and with no chaos political parties including Pakistan Tehrek –e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema Islam (JUI) and other independent candidates from the area have resorted to unconstitutional approach by denying female to caste vote, citing unfavorable and stern environment being main hindrance.
Yousuf Jan, a PTI candidate for district council seat confirmed the Jirga held and said, there was nothing as such decided to ban women from going to the polling station to poll their vote.
“The Jirga members discussed about the security prospective and have not taken decision to deprive women from their constitutional right,” he said, adding that situation would become crystal clear after another round of Jirga weather to stop the women from polling or not
In a question whether he would ask the Jirga elders to allow women polling, he answered that only elders of the area have the right to decide what is in the best favor.
Sayed Habib Ali Shah, a local leader of JUI said, that he was personally not present among the Jirga members but there are multiple inconveniences in the area that can led hinder women in their way to polling station.
“I am totally against any sort of gender discrimination of any form and I will turn down any suggestion subjected in favor of banning women participation in LG polls,” he vowed
Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Swat (AC), Ashfaq Khan said when contacted that there is no legal status of decisions taken in Jirga and lying any kind of hindrance in LG polls is tantamount to violation of rights.
“The administration is undergoing an inquiry to probe the matter and the members would be dealt according to the law if found guilty,” he said
