PTI candidate faces tribal backlash

Former minister is fined, his vehicle torched

MIRANSHAH:

A tribal lashker on Sunday set ablaze the vehicle of former provincial minister Muhammad Iqbal Wazir, imposing a hefty Rs2 million fine as ordered by the Otmanzai Jirga.

The incident stems from Wazir’s alleged violation of local tribal traditions, particularly his resistance to tribal protests against the escalating law and order issues. Despite repeated calls and warnings, Wazir failed to appear before the Jirga, exacerbating tensions.

Muhammad Iqbal Wazir, who has been the PTI candidate for PK-103, faced a substantial penalty of Rs5 million initially. However, negotiations between his clan and the Jirga resulted in an agreement to torch one of his vehicles and impose a reduced fine of Rs2 million, which Wazir paid to the Jirga, according to a local resident who spoke with The Express Tribune.

The root of the issue lies in Wazir’s refusal to support the Jirga’s stance against the deteriorating law and order situation in North Waziristan.

Additionally, he publicly announced his boycott of the anti-polio vaccination campaign, further straining relations with the local elders.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2024