Tribal districts’ sole female candidate asked to ‘limit’ movement

Police say they have issued an advisory in line with ECP’s code of conduct

PESHAWAR: Police in the Khyber Tribal District has issued a security advisory after threats were issued to the sole female candidate on general seats in the tribal districts in the upcoming by-elections for the provincial assembly.

Awami National Party’s (ANP) candidate for PK-106 Khyber Naheed Afridi, in an advisory issued by the Khyber District Police Officer (DPO) Muhammad Hussain, has been advised to limit her movements.

In the advisory, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the DPO states that “emerging threat perception in the district has necessitated an urgent revision of security protocols to ensure a safe and peaceful election.”

Policing dilemma in merged districts

These revisions include providing advance notice to the local police station of her political activities. For small corner meetings, she has been directed to provide at least a day’s notice, while for larger rallies, she has been advised to give three-day notice.

Moreover, she has been directed to take unpredictable routes and to alter her timings. Afridi and her party have also been requested to spare some volunteers to conduct a body search of all those who wish to attend their political events.

Additionally, the police advised her to record videos of processions and gatherings. DPO Hussain maintained in the advisory that these protocols were in line with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Election Code of Conduct.

Afridi is the first female candidate to contest the provincial assembly by-elections in the erstwhile federally administered tribal areas (Fata) on a general seat while contesting against male candidates in her constituency.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 08^th, 2019.