Shangla Police have issued an order instructing lady health workers (LHWs) to assume duties at polling stations for the Feb 8 elections, triggering discontent among the LHWs who see the assignments as “in contravention of the laws.”

Shangla District Police Officer Sajjad Ahmad Sahibzada has issued a list comprising the names of 270 lady health workers for election duties.

Shahid Khan, the provincial information secretary of the LHWs programme, told Dawn.com that the order contradicts the rules and laws governing LHWs.

He emphasised that as primarily housewives and not full-time government servants, LHWs should not be compelled to follow such directives.

Khan highlighted the vulnerability of LHWs as a suppressed and economically disadvantaged community, stating that they are often assigned duties without consideration for their job description and pay.

He noted the decision to hold a protest rally against these perceived injustices, asserting their unwillingness to work beyond their designated areas.