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BLINDNESS separates people from things; deafness separates people from people.
The banned Tehreek-i -Taliban Pakistan warned women of Hangu against taking part in the recently-held by-election, otherwise they would be kidnapped and killed. As a result, women were not allowed to vote at many polling stations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Taliban had issued a similar warning during the May 11 general elections and had taken away ballot boxes in some parts of Hangu.
Also, on May 11 the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Jamaat-i-Islami, PML-N, Awami National Party and the PPP signed an accord barring women from voting.
According to Clause 20 of the Election Rules, women cannot be barred from voting. The agreement reached between these political parties on the voting strategy was a clear violation of the constitution, as well as of the electoral code of conduct.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa the PTI defeated all mainstream political parties across the province on May 11 and formed the government. The chief minister of KP is from the PTI. In their provisional government women voters were stopped again from exercising their right of franchise in the by-election.
The PTI claimed it is very popular in urban areas of Karachi and Lahore; on May 11 we saw many modern women had come out on the streets of Lahore and Karachi during their protest. But in KP, the PTI barred the women from voting.
According to PTI secular group strong influence of Taliban policies exist in the PTI.
The existence of the Taliban is dangerous for the country’s sovereignty.
The Election Commission of Pakistan should declare the elections null and void and conduct re-polling in the affected constituencies with the guarantee that the right to vote is ensured for all women.
DAWAR NAQVI
United States
Comments (10) Closed
The existence of the Taliban is not only dangerous for the country
i dn't know exact that pti had an agreement about barring women from voting in kpk. if it is realy true and any proof comes before us about this agreement .then election commision must take pti with an iron hand.
Well Said !
Strong influence of Taliban policies exist in the PTI
It is correct indeed, very true letter.
"According to PTI secular group strong influence of Taliban policies exist in the PTI".
Well Said Totally agree with Dawar
PTI ex supporter
Dear Mr. Dawar, I endorse your views & concerns fully, but the Re-Polling in a few Areas 0r Even in the Whole Country Wont Remedy the Curse.
The Whole Society , Alas, is Suffering from " Dual Standards & Hypocricy" --- Imran Khan's PTI included. The Fanatics & Taliban Are A Danger for the Whole CIVILIZED WORLD Too & Not only a Threat to Pakistan alone ---- Ironically the Ethinic Divide & Sectarian Bias Has Blinded ALL Political Parties & Groups in Pakistan
@Gerry D'Cunha: Agree
Being an overseas Pakistani, we are extremely concerned about the directions in which PTI is going. Imran Khan has always been supportive of Taliban.
The most dangerous part is that they are raising millions upon millions in funds for PTI but not sure if they are truly using it for PTI or it is funneling Taliban.
Extremely well expressed letter. Each and every Pakistani must raise their voice against these atrocities and discrimination.
If I am not turning the discussion other side, does it is Article 20 that "no one can stop women using voting rights".
If it is true then the parties agreed in not allowing the women to vote, means breaking the constitution. If yes, then along with Musharraf, the head of these parties should be hanged (according to the constitution). Syed Asif California
@PTI: Have they broke the constitution (Article # 20) by stopping women to vote? What is the punishment in the constitution if one breaks it? syed California