KHAR, April 3: Badam Zari, the first woman candidate in tribal areas for the upcoming general polls, has launched her election campaign after acceptance of her nomination papers by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

An official of ECP said that Asad Sarwar, the returning officer, accepted the nomination papers of Badam Zari for contesting election for a National Assembly seat from NA-44 Bajaur-II constituency.

“The nomination papers of Badam Zari, candidate for NA-44, have been found cleared and she is able to contest election from Bajaur Agency,” the official said.

After acceptance of her nomination papers by ECP, Ms Zari launched her election campaign form her hometown Arang Utmankhel. She was accompanied by a large number of her relatives including her husband and sisters on the occasion.

A team of local journalists was also accompanying the woman candidate during launch of her election campaign.

The residents of the area, especially women, warmly received Ms Zari in her hometown.

During her election campaign, she met with score of women, who had come from different villages for her reception.

The people of Arang promised her that they would support her in the upcoming elections.

“The decision of Badam Zari to contest election is an honour for the people of our area. We will make all out efforts for her success in the election,” they said.

Lal Khan, a 60-year-old resident of the area, said that they were ready for rendering all kinds of sacrifices for the success of their daughter. “We hope that she will win the election,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms Zari said that she wanted to bring positive changes in the area.

She said that she was contesting election for National assembly seat for that purpose.

“I am aware of the problems faced by the women of the tribal agency.

Provision of basic and modern civic facilities to the women of remote areas will be my first priority,” she said.

Ms Zari urged the women to come out of their

houses on the polling day and use their votes in her favour.