Kurram Agency: In light of security concerns, protesters demand polls be postponed in NA-38

Claim it is too risky to cast ballots in the agency.

PESHAWAR: Scores of people took to the streets on Friday in a protest on Sher Shah Suri Road, demanding the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) to postpone general elections in NA-38 Kurram Agency amid the deteriorating security situation.

Holding placards and banners, the protesters were led by local elders, Malak Zaman, Ghafar Khan and Aurangzeb Khan.

Talking to reporters, Zaman said a large number of people were rendered homeless due to the ongoing military operations in the agency. “Free and fair elections are not possible because a majority of the population has either left the area or the security situation will not allow them to vote,” he added.



Protesters claimed it is too risky for them to go to polling stations and cast their ballot, which is why the ECP should postpone elections for NA-38 until peace is established and displaced people return to their hometowns.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 11^th, 2013.