Against all odds: ANP holds ‘largest car rally’ in Orakzai

ANP activists covered a distance of 46 kilometres in the rally.

HANGU:

Nearly 2,000 tribesmen loaded into more than 100 vehicles organised a car rally in support of the Awami National Party (ANP) in Orakzai Agency.

Hoisting ANP flags and sporting symbolic red caps, activists drove 46 kilometres from Kuraiz to Kalaya, headquarters of Lower Orakzai, in support of their candidate for NA-39.

ANP candidate Syed Basharat Hussain is a renowned religious figure with a large following. Considering the deteriorating security situation, the rally was a bold step on Hussain’s part, residents said.

“I am sure the ANP can win this seat,” Hussain told The Express Tribune, adding that he can no longer sit and hold corner meetings. “If I have to die, why not die among party activists and my followers.”

Villagers appreciated the party’s efforts and welcomed Hussain by holding lanterns. Traditional dances were performed in many villages along the way, where residents pledged their support for him.



Addressing party activists in Darbar area in Kalaya, Hussain claimed this was the largest car rally held in the country and it holds historical significance for the party, considering military operations against militants are ongoing.

He said ANP workers had proven that they can still launch a rally in the face of threats against them, adding that the event has turned the tide in favour of the ANP.

“I did not enter into politics on my own will. My followers told me to come into politics and serve the people,” he said, claiming the ANP will sweep the elections in the region.

Hussain pledged to overcome poverty and adopt a policy for making education accessible to all residents in the agency, adding his main objective will be to restore peace. He claimed to be the only candidate to have followers and support from both Sunni and Shia sects.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2013.