TIMERGARA, Nov 28: Representatives of political groups on Wednesday agreed here at a seminar to promote political tolerance in Lower Dir district ahead of the general elections.

The seminar was organised by Khwaendo Kor (KK), a nongovernmental organisation, at Timergara Press Club to discuss the political parties’ manifestos and top priorities for the next elections.

Noorul Wahab represented Jamaat-i-Islami, Bahadar Syed Pakistan People’s Party, Shahid Mehmood Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl, Shahab Chakdarwal Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Arshad Khan Qaumi Watan Party, Farooq Iqbal Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, Hussain Yousafzai Awami National Party and Sudeesh Kumar religious minorities in the country.

Mr Kumar of religious minorities complained that members of minorities were loyal Pakistanis but the state never provided them with jobs except those related to sanitation.He said one of his brothers held a master’s degree in computer sciences but he was being denied an appropriate job.

Mr Shahab of PkMAP said the culture of Pakhtuns had been disturbed by the Britishers, who divided the community along tribal basis.

He blamed Punjab for grabbing the rights of other nationalities in the country.

Mr Shahid of JUI-F said enforcement of Shariah in Pakistan, establishing good working relationship with neighbouring countries, independent foreign policy, end to the ongoing war on terror, creation of jobs for youths, establishment of public library in Lower Dir and end to the commission of the Works and Services Department officials in development work were the main priorities of his party if it was given a chance to serve the people.

Arshad Khan of QWP said his party wanted to resolve community issues through modern nationalism, formulate a new social contract for different nations forming Pakistan, form Pukhtun national unit, protection of minorities and would strive for it after coming to power.

Bahadar Syed of PPP said his party would continue carrying out development projects in the district. He said thousands of families had been benefiting from the government’s Benazir Income support Programme and that programme would continue.

Mr Iqbal of PML-N said his party believed in peace, development, education and employment and would work for it if it was given a chance to serve the people.

Mr Yousafzai of ANP said the government of his party had restored peace in the province.

He said the provincial government had also secured a large amount of royalty from the central government due to provincial autonomy and 18th Amendment to the Constitution.

Mr Wahab of JI said his party would ensure provision of appropriate jobs to youths in the district after being elected to power.

He said if his party was given the chance to rule the province, all vacant posts in the Education and Health departments would be filled without delay and on merit, while tangible steps would be taken for social reforms.

There followed a session during which representatives of political parties responded to the questions of the participants, mostly political and social activists, students and teachers.