All major religious, liberal parties in Lower Dir agreed on one-point deal — women will not be allowed to vote.
JUBAIL, SAUDI ARABIA: The May 2013 elections would be remembered for the massive turnout and the increased number of youth using their right to elect the rulers. These elections overturned many seasoned politicians and so-called electable candidates. A record number of women voters participated in them, something which must be commended. However, there is a dark spot in the country where people are still living in medieval times. This is the PK-95 constituency in Lower Dir. All major religious and liberal parties in the region officially agreed on a one-point deal — women will not be allowed to cast their votes. Any party found violating this agreement will be fined to the tune of Rs5 million.
A signed copy of this hate-document has now been made public — it was signed by representatives of the PPP, ANP, Jamaat-e-Islami, PTI, JUI-F and PML-N. After this agreement, 47,280 female voters were deprived of their right to cast their votes.
We must all raise our voice on this daylight robbery; this has been going on for decades in Dir and adjoining areas wherein women are barred from voting or contesting elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan should cancel the election results from this constituency and order a re-poll where it should be ensured that women are allowed to participate. All the signatories of this hate-agreement should be barred for life from contesting elections. One day someone has to come forward and say enough is enough.
Masood Khan
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2013.
