KARAK: The Jamaat-e-Islami has split into two groups in Karak district with the recent holding of separate Seeratun Nabi conferences laying bare the internal strife.

Former JI district president Maulana Samiur Rehman has formed a group of disgruntled activists against the incumbent office-bearers of the party.

JI district president Maulana Tasleem Iqbal served show cause notices on nine members of the district executive council, including Mr. Rehman and former party general secretary Hayatullah Khan, seeking explanation on ‘anti-party activities’ in a fortnight.

Insiders claim the disgruntled members could be expelled from the party in case of ‘unsatisfactory’ response to notices.

The two groups held separate Seeratun Nabi conferences in the district on Thursday heightening their differences.

Mr. Rehman told reporters that his group’s differences with the party’s incumbent leadership in the district were justified.

He claimed the current district cabinet violated the JI constitution and thus, greatly harming the party’s popularity. Sources said the JI provincial leadership was in constant contact with the district leadership for patch-up between the two groups.

LOADSHEDDING PROTESTED: The residents of Kanda Karak, Kanda Bajikhel and adjoining villages in Karak district on Thursday took to the streets against the excessive loadshedding.

The protesters marched from the Indus Highway to Karak city holding placards and shouting slogans against Pesco. They later staged a demonstration outside the Pesco offices, where the speakers complained the people of their areas were subjected to prolonged power outages.

They complained the excessive loadshedding had caused a shortage of drinking water.

The speakers warned they would agitate if smooth supply of electricity wasn’t restored without delay.

Published in Dawn, December 30th, 2016