December 17, 2007	Monday	Zilhaj 6, 1428

TAXILA, Dec 16: The local administration has declared eight polling stations in Taxila tehsil as sensitive, prompting the authorities to devise an elaborate security plan for smooth polling on January 8.

Sources in the local administration told this correspondent that a total of 75 polling stations would be set up in the Taxila tehsil, comprising 10 union councils with a voter base of around 167,574.

Eight polling stations have been placed in category A (sensitive), 25 in category B (less sensitive) and 42 in category C (normal). Most of the sensitive polling stations are located in the rural areas.

Police will provide security at the polling stations to ensure peaceful polling process, the sources said, adding that the patrolling police would also be there to assist the regular force.

PML-N cashing in on religious voters

After Jamaat-i-Islami’s boycott, the PML-N has accelerated its election campaign and is trying to woo the JI votes in Taxila and Wah Cantonment.

PML-N candidates, during their speeches at coroner meetings, are using ‘Islam’ to get maximum support from the masses.

Political observers are of the view that the region has a substantial vote bank of religious parties and the PML-N is going to take decisive position in the elections particularly in the constituencies in NA-53, PP-7 and PP-8.

PML-N candidates are exploiting the religious sentiments of the masses and are seeking vote on Waziristan and Swat operations. They are also asking people to reject the PPP due to its ‘pro-US’ and liberal policies.