First FATA woman to run for Pakistan elections

In an unprecedented development, a female candidate from Pakistan’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) has submitted her nomination form to participate in the upcoming general elections. Thirty-eight year old Badam Zari from Bajaur Agency has become the first woman from tribal areas to submit a nomination form in a bid to contest for a national assembly seat, NA-44. Earlier, the tribal traditions disallowed women to exercise their right to franchise. Speaking to Geo News Badam Zari 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.”