Census consensus: ECP asked to form third constituency in Malakand

District’s population increased twofold, fulfilling rule for another provincial assembly seat, says QMP.

BATKHELA:

After the 1998 census a dire need was felt for the delimitation of constituencies, both in the settled areas and tribal belt of Pakistan. According to Qaumi Mahaz Party’s (QMP) Central President Muhammad Ibrar Khan, the population of Malakand merits a third constituency, PK-100.

In many areas, the provincial and National Assembly seats were increased in 2002 by then president Pervez Musharraf. In Malakand, one National Assembly seat NA-35 and two provincial assembly seats, PK-98 and PK-99 respectively for Malakand protected area I and II, were demarcated on the basis of population.

While talking to journalists, QMP’s central president Muhammad Ibrar Khan said according to the 1998 census, Malakand’s population was 452,219. He claimed it increased to 714,000 in 2001.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) rules demand if a population of an area increases by a certain figure – which has in Malakand according to Khan’s calculations – a separate constituency would be formed in the said location, he stated.

“The Election Commission of Pakistan should form a third constituency, PK-100, in Malakand for the provincial assembly,” demanded the QMP’s central president.



“An application was sent to the ECP to revive their decision of 2002. The application was returned without any consideration.”

Khan sent another application to the ECP to review the decision and form a third constituency, PK-100, in the district. The review application was sent to the ECP central office on February 13 and the commission forwarded it on March 6 for legal opinion.

“The ECP is an independent institution and should form a third constituency in Malakand”. Khan added it is a basic right of the residents of Malakand to be given a third constituency.

According to an ECP booklet, an area would be delimited after a census is conducted and notes an increase in population. No census has been conducted after the 2002 delimitations.

Without a census, a new legislation would be needed to amend the Constitution. The demands of a new constituency, especially when electoral preparations are gaining pace would not be possible for the incumbent government.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 15^th, 2013.