Nomination papers of Badam Zari accepted

BAJAUR AGENCY: Nomination papers of a female candidate, Badam Zari hailing from Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) have been accepted for participation in the upcoming general elections.

Thirty-eight year old Badam Zari from Bajaur Agency has become the first woman from the tribal areas to submit a nomination form and be cleared to contest for a national assembly seat, NA-44.

Over the course of Pakistan's entire history, the tribal traditions have always disallowed women to exercise their right to franchise. Therefore, participation of a woman from FATA in the ballot exercise is being seen by enlightened sections of the society as a giant leap forward.

Speaking to Geo News earlier, Badam Zari had said she was contesting as an independent candidate in an effort to serve women from her area.

“I want women to prosper in all fields and stand side by side with men.” Zari added that she would actively campaign and keep herself informed with problems being faced by the residents of her area despite the law and order situation in the agency.

She praised the residents of Bajaur Agency and said they hold women in high regard. “In my opinion the residents of the area will support me.”