May 11, 2013
Miranshah: In spite of threats from the TTP, citizens in North Waziristan line up to vote. | Photo: Umar Daraz Wazir
MIRANSHAH: Even as male voters turned out in droves to vote in North Waziristan, female voters were barred from attending polling stations due to threats from militant groups.
They distributed pamphlets on Wednesday threatening male members if they allowed female family members to vote. Women in this region have received no support from the local political administration, the federal government or the Pakistani military in asserting their right to vote.
Women did not cast any votes in North Waziristan. 37 million of the registered 86 million voters in Pakistan are women.
Male voters participated in the elections despite threats from the Tehreek-e-Taliban earlier this week against the elections. There were several reports of rigging and intimidation of voters by local candidates in North Waziristan. Many of the candidates, representing a range or parties as well as independents, had reportedly hired gunmen or allied with local insurgents to threaten voters and sway votes.
BANNU: Women voted heavily in Bannu turning out a strong showing for the elections. Watch the video:
Umar Daraz Wazir is a journalist based in FATA.
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May 10, 2013
MIRANSHAH: A motorbike bomb close to the offices of election candidates killed people and wounded 21 in Miranshah on Friday on the eve of the country’s general election. Conflicting reports claim that between 2-3 people were killed.
The bomb went off in the main bazaar of Miranshah Khuzajan Chowk in Miranshah, the main town in North Waziristan district.
Eye witnesses and hospital officials said 21 people had been taken to Miranshah Civil Hospital, some of them in a serious condition and shifted to operation theaters.
According to sources at the hospital, residents Hedayat ullah and Naseeb Khan are among the dead.
Political administration officials have said that six different election offices are located at the site of the bomb blast including the offices of the incumbent independent candidate, Mohammad Kamran and JuI’s candidate, Peer Aqal Jan.
No one has claimed responsibility for the blast.
Another blast occurred near Gora Kabristan, east of Miranshah, but according to officials and locals, no casualties have been reported.
Elsewhere in FATA, elections have been suspended in Kurram Agency (NA-38) due to the worsening security situation.
Umar Daraz Wazir is a journalist based in FATA.
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May 08, 2013
Such like of Terror Attacks will not Delay Elections and will not Destroyed the Peace and hormony Among the People and Communities.