For democracy: Militant threats fail to deter large turnout in NA-4

Women prevented from voting in some areas following consensus of political parties.

PESHAWAR:

Despite being threatened by anti-state elements which claim voting is against the teachings of Islam, voters in NA-4, particularly those from PK-10 and PK-11, thronged to polling stations to cast their votes.

Strict security measures were taken to ensure a smooth polling process. Police personnel were deployed in and outside the stations and people were thoroughly checked before being allowed to enter.

Army personnel were seen patrolling the main Indus Highway, ready to thwart any situation that threatened the process. Some army personnel were also deployed outside the stations.

Voters of a variety of age groups were found to have different preferences, with some saying the last setup was good enough to eradicate their problems and should be given another chance, while others said it was a time to give others an opportunity.



“I think Khushdil Khan (former deputy speaker K-P assembly) has done a lot,” said 60-year-old Razi Khan, a resident of Badhaber. “I will vote for him because he is from my village and is available at any time.”

Ejaz, 24, who was standing in a queue to vote for the first time in his life, said people were fed up with the situation and wanted change. “Earlier, people used to vote to resolve domestic problems. Now I think militancy is a common problem, and it needs to be uprooted.”

A voter from Pasanni village at the NA-4/PK-10 polling station bordering Frontier Region Peshawar told The Express Tribune by phone both men and women had been casting their votes since 8am despite having received serious threats this week.

Meanwhile, scuffles regarding women voting were reported in most areas including Badhaber and Hazar Khwani. These were later resolved by law enforcement agencies.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2013.