In Pictures: Voters throng polling stations in historic ex-FATA election
The elections have defeated the narrative of hate spread by the disruptive forces
(Web Desk) – People of the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have waited a long while before they could exercise their democratic right of choosing their own fate through the process of ballot.
It is a region that has been marred by war and destruction, resulting in displacement and disenfranchisement. With the first ever provincial polls being conducted, the tribal districts have now entered the era of political stability that will see the region off to a peaceful fresh start.
July 2019 witnessed a revolution brought about by the armed forces, who have been successful in restoring peace in these districts and have initiated the reconstruction of the mountainous terrain, which helped in integration and assimilation of the populous with the rest of the country.
The democratic process has ensured a participation of 284 candidates in the provincial elections. 83 of these have been fielded by opposition parties, while 201 are contesting the elections independently.
These elections have defeated the narrative of hate spread by the disruptive forces working from within and outside the country, who have been busy in fuming the fire of hate and trying to drive a wedge between the people and the armed forces through propaganda techniques.
Throughout the polling stations we have witnessed love, harmony, affection and admiration for the Pak army by the people who have given bouquets and garlands to the soldiers as a sign of complete trust and faith in the forces stationed in and outside the polling booths. Waving the Pakistani flags the people entered the polling stations showing their love for their homeland. Not only men but women also took part in the elections showing their trust in the democratic process and their will to move ahead like the rest of the world.
A few invigorating scenes from the tribal belt enriching the feelings of brotherhood, oneness, warmth and affection are below:
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Women after casting their ballot, raise their thumbs as a sign of victory.
Women clad in Burkas head towards the polling station.
Men waving the victory sign and waving the green flag.
People excitedly shaking hands with soldiers.
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Scenes from outside and inside the polling stations.
By: Saadia Ali
