A 30-member group of clerics, predominantly affiliated with the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F), has issued a unanimous decree in Kohistan, prohibiting political parties participating in the upcoming February 8 general elections from deploying female members for door-to-door campaigning across different constituencies in the district.
During a gathering at the JUI-F central office in Kamila town, Mufti Gul Shahzada of Kandia, representing JUI-F, emphasized that the practice of taking women door-to-door for vote-seeking is contrary to Islamic principles and Shariah. The decree, endorsed by around 400 clerics from various parts of the district, includes six directives related to the upcoming elections.
Notably, two women candidates supported by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Tehmina Faheem from PK-31 Kohistan-I and former lawmaker Momina Basit, along with independent candidate Sanaya Sabeel from PK-33 Kolai-Palas, are contending for seats in the district for the first time.
Mufti Shahzada clarified that the decrees are issued based on current circumstances, grounded in Islamic teachings with references from religious texts. He cautioned against using the Holy Quran to influence votes, deeming it a sacrilegious act.
Furthermore, the clerics warned against voting based on linguistic, regional, or clan affiliations, asserting that such practices go against Islamic teachings. The mufti emphasized that any vote cast against Islamic ideology is considered a grave sin and contrary to Shariah.
In response, the women candidates in Kohistan for the February 8 general elections stated that they would provide their perspectives after consulting with their respective political parties.
