JI Chief Qazi opposes Bajaur by-elections in NW Pakistan
‘Pakistan Times’ Federal Bureau

ISLAMABAD: The President of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) and Jamaat-e-Islami Amir Chief Qazi Hussain Ahmad has cautioned the government against holding the by-elections on January 10, 2007, to fill the National Assembly seat of Bajaur vacated by the religious alliance member.

Addressing a news conference here at his residence, Qazi said a memorandum in this connection is also being submitted to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The MMA Member National Assembly from the constituency NA-44 Tribal Area-IX, Bajaur, Sahibzada Haroon Rashid had resigned in protest against; what he alleged “rocket attack by US troops stationed in the adjoining Afghanistan on a seminary in the area that had claimed over 80 lives.”

Qazi regretted that contrary to the aspiration of the local masses three candidates are in the run. They are: Said Badshah, Shahabuddin and Mohammad Ehsanullah. They belong to the Pakistan Muslim League (Q) and the Awami National Party (ANP).

He said the government is doing its best to manipulate the elections against the wishes of the people. “The replacement of the Political Agent is part of the game”, he viewed..

Election Commission Reax

When contacted, the Secretary Election Commission Kanwar Dilshad said that preparations are in the final stages to hold the by-elections in NA-44, Tribal Areas.

He said the election campaign for bye-election in the constituency No.NA-44 Tribal Area-IX shall come to an end with effect from the midnight falling between the 8th and 9th January, 2007.

The political parties and the candidates have been advised by the Election Commission to follow the provisions of law and exercise self-restraint so that the poll is held in an orderly and peaceful manner on 10th January, 2007.

He however said that due to law and order situation in Balochistan, the by-elections in one National Assembly and two provincial assembly constituencies are not being held at the moment.

The polls are not being scheduled in line with the recommendations of the Balochistan government, Kanwar Dilshad said.

These seats were vacated by the elected members from Balochistan in protest against the killing of Nawab Muhammad Akbar Bugti. .

A Senator, representing the province, Sanaullah Baloch had also resigned on the same plea and his seat still remains vacant.●