KHAAR, Dec 17: The Jamaat-i-Islami on Sunday announced observing a `black day’ on January 10 -- the day of by-elections in NA-44, Bajaur Agency -- and set a deadline of December 20 for all candidates to withdraw their nomination papers.

A jirga organised by the JI in Madrasah Ahia al Uloom, Khaar, demanded of the Election Commission to cancel the by-polls, otherwise the its supporters would observe the black day. It also urged the voters not to go to polling stations and warned that polling staff would not be allowed to enter the stations.

However, an Awami National Party leader has warned that no group or party will be allowed to disrupt the election process.

The seat has fallen vacant after JI member Sahibzada Haroon Rashid resigned from the National Assembly in protest against the bombing of a seminary on Oct 30, killing about 80 people.

A resolution adopted in the jirga said that the by-elections were not in the interest of the people of Bajuar and the government was trying to deceive the people through such tactics.

Former MNA Haroon Rashid, JI Bajaur chief Sardar Khan, Maulana Mohammad Khurshid, Maulana Abdul Hamid, Malik Bacha Mir Khan and Malik Ziarat Khan addressed the jirga.

Meanwhile, ANP leader Shahabuddin Khan, who is also contesting the by-polls, has said that no one would be allowed to create hurdles in the process.

Speaking at a public meeting here on Sunday, he said that the former MNA had failed to resolve problems of the people and now he (Haroon) was threatening the people not to take part in the by-polls.

He said that it was constitutional right of the people to take part in the elections and nobody would be given a free-hand to violate the constitution.

Mr Khan also criticised the political administration for ignoring such warnings by the Jamaat leaders, adding that the ANP would continue struggle to amend the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) and protect basic rights of the tribesmen.