KHAAR, Dec 11: Awami National Party (ANP) leader Shahabuddin Khan said on Monday that the Jamaat-i-Islami would not be allowed to sabotage by-elections to be held for a National Assembly seat in Bajaur Agency.

He was reacting to a statement by the JI leaders that they would encircle polling stations during the process of voting in NA-44.

“The government must take action against such elements,” said Mr Khan, the ANP candidate for the mentioned seat, while speaking at a public meeting here.

He said the tribesmen were aware of their political rights and would not allow a handful of elements, having vested interests, to take law in their hands and undermine the democratic process.

He said the ANP would contest the polls and raise voice for the rights of Bajaur tribesmen.

The ANP leader demanded of the government to allocate seats for tribesmen and give representation to tribal agencies in the provincial assembly.