KHAR: Political activities witnessed an increase in Bajaur Agency during 2016 thanks to the better law and order situation compared to the previous years.

Data collected by Dawn showed that the 2016 was relatively good year for socioeconomic activities in the agency since restoration of peace in the region in 2010.

The political administration attributes the growing political activities to the improved law and order situation in the agency. An official of the political administration told Dawn on Monday that though a few terror incidents occurred, overall law and order situation remained satisfactory in the entire agency, leading to a boost in political activities.

The official said the political administration ensured a friendly environment with a view to give impetus to the political activities. He said the administration had tried its best to ensure that political and religious parties organised their activities without any hindrance.

The official said the political administration would continue to provide the conducive environment for political activities. However, he said the political and religious parties should also follow the code of conduct issued by the administration while holding public gatherings.

However, Qari Abdul Majeed, president of All Bajaur Political Parties Alliance, an umbrella organisation of various political and religious parties, rejected the impression that political activities had increased during 2016 owing to the improved law and order in the region.

Talking to Dawn, he said an improved law and order didn’t guarantee that there were growing political activities. However, he said credit of heightened political activities in the agency during 2016 went to the alliance as it mobilised people against the Frontier Crimes Regulation.

It is to note here that at least 50 public gatherings, protest rallies and processions were held in the agency during the year.

Almost all political and religious parties in the agency expect the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-N arranged public gatherings, rallies and protests.

Moreover, senior leaders of various political parties, including JI chief Sirajul Haq, JI provincial chief Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, parliamentary leader of ANP in KP Assembly Sardar Hussain Babak, JUI provincial chief Maulana Gul Naseeb Khan and several others visited the agency and participated in public gatherings.

Published in Dawn January 3rd, 2017