27 January 2005	Thursday	16 Zilhaj 1425

PESHAWAR, Jan 26: The Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) will give preference to the components of the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal (MMA) in the forthcoming local bodies' elections in the NWFP.

The NWFP Senior Minister, Sirajul Haq, who is also the provincial chief of the JI, has directed his party's organizers in the 24 districts to make adjustments with other components of the alliance, said a press release here on Tuesday.

Speaking at a public meeting in Timergara, Lower Dir district, on Monday, he asked the party workers to start preparation for the polls to be held on non-party basis.

He said that the JI would fully participate in the elections. He empowered district level organisations of the Jamaat to make adjustments for the election "but give preference to their (MMA) allies".

Mr Siraj opposed military action in Balochistan, saying that such an action would lead the country towards anarchy. After South Waziristan Agency, the federal government was playing another dangerous game in Balochistan, he said.