BANNU: Politics is a science of possibilities particularly in Pakistan where staunch political foes often sit together to gain some temporary political objective.
The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) may be staunch political adversaries on the federal and provincial level, but in a surprising development, two candidates of the JUI-F in North Waziristan tribal district have announced to support the PTI candidates.
Announcement to this effect was made by the JUI-F ameer for tribal districts Maulana Abdul Haye while addressing a press conference in Bannu on Tuesday. He said the decision has been taken after thorough consultations with the party leadership and talks with the PTI local leaders. He did not divulge what the PTI promised in return of this favour.
Maulana Abdul Haye said the JUI-F will support the PTI candidates from PK-111 and PK-112, Malik Iqbal Khan and Malik Orangzeb Khan, in the upcoming elections in tribal districts. He said the JUI-F is fully satisfied over the present situation in North Waziristan. He said the people of North Waziristan are politically mature and hoped that the people will support the JUI-F decision.
This decision by the JUI-F has increased the victory chances of the PTI candidates in North Waziristan. The decision has also come as a surprise for other parties as the PTI and JUI-F are considered strong political rivals particularly in KP.
More facilities provided for women voters in Bajaur
District Returning Officer Bajaur Fazal Hakeem has made it clear that the results of the constituencies with less than 10 percent women voters will be declared void.
Addressing a meeting about elections at Bajaur Press Club, Fazal Hakeem said more facilities have been provided for women voters in Bajaur for the upcoming elections as compared to the general elections of last year. He said the number of polling booths for women voters have been increased and 150 female staff has been appointed to facilitate women voters.
The DRO said there are 244 normal, 65 sensitive and 27 highly sensitive polling stations in Bajaur. He made it clear that the Pakistan Army personnel will not enter any polling station and they will stay outside polling stations for security.