The Ahmadiyya community has announced to disassociate from the election 2024 citing “discrimination on the basis of faith.”
“Currently there is one voter list that includes all religious groups including Muslims, Hindus, Christians, Zoroastrians, and Sikhs, whereas in the case of Ahmadis, a separate voter list is being prepared bearing the titles ‘Qadiani Men/Women,’’ said Amir Mahmood, spokesperson for the community on Wednesday.
The 12th general election, after months of delay, is set for February 8 as political parties have intensified their election campaign to woo voters.
According to Mahmood, the elections are being held under a joint electorate, however, he said that a separate voter list has been prepared only for Ahmadi citizens due to their faith.
He alleged that the discriminatory treatment on the basis of religion was a deliberate attempt to disenfranchise Ahmadi citizens from the electoral process and deny them their right to vote.
“In view of the prevailing circumstances, it is not possible for Ahmadiyya Community to participate in the Elections therefore, the Ahmadiyya Community has decided to disassociate itself from the upcoming General Elections 2024,” Mahmood added.
The statement added that the community separates itself from anyone claiming to represent it in the polls.
General elections are scheduled to take place on February 8 across Pakistan. Voters will elect their representatives to the National as well as four provincial assemblies.
