In Kohistan, several constituencies are witnessing a restriction imposed on female members of political parties from participating in door-to-door campaigning for the upcoming February 8 general elections. A 30-member clerical group, largely associated with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), has unanimously issued a decree against women engaging in canvassing activities.
According to the clerics, the act of taking women door-to-door to seek votes is deemed contrary to Islamic principles and Shariah. Mufti Gul Shahzada of Kandia, representing JUI-F, conveyed this stance during a gathering attended by approximately 400 clerics from various parts of the district. The clerics endorsed six decrees put forward by Mufti Shahzada, all of which pertain to the upcoming elections.
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It is noteworthy that multiple women candidates, including Tehmina Faheem from PK-31 Kohistan-I, former MPA Momina Basit, and independent candidate Sanaya Sabeel from PK-33 Kolai-Palas, are actively participating in the election race. Mufti Shahzada clarified that these decrees were issued in response to the prevailing circumstances and are rooted in Islamic principles, with references drawn from various religious texts.
The mufti emphasized that voting against Islamic ideology constitutes a serious sin and goes against Shariah. He cautioned against the misuse of the Holy Quran to influence voters, deeming it sacrilegious and unacceptable. Additionally, the clerics warned against casting votes based on linguistic, regional, or clan affiliations, asserting that such practices contradict Islamic teachings and should be avoided in the district.
