development works in the city for all to see.” She said that it is difficult for any woman to contest elections, however they should not lag behind in any field. “If we are fifty per cent of the population, in all fairness our right of representation should also be fifty per cent. No one will give women their rights and they themselves will have to fight for that. If our faith tells that life, death, and livelihood are in the hands of Allah Almighty, then why fear men? I am for reserved seats for women and the women presently in the parliament should find ways and means to bring more and more women in assemblies. Women can legislate better than men and can also solve problems in a better way. Therefore it is essential that more and more women should be there in assemblies,” Tehmina Daultana said.
Khurshid Begum, the brave ANP contestant from Kohat said that she has not called off her political activities in spite of murderous attacks on her. She said that there were difficulties in the way but she was fully prepared to give them a tough fight. She is the first lady ever to fight for a general seat from Kohat and she gave all the credit to ANP which awarded a ticket to her to contest the election. “I did not stop political activities out of fear. Life would not be easier by sitting inside the house. We have to work for the nation and for the future of our people. I am fully prepared to combat with dangers as I do not want my nation to be in trouble in future. It is also the responsibility of women to come forward and work to solve the problems of people. Situation is difficult no doubt, but if we are daunted by difficulties, they problems will multiply. There are so many women in our constituency who have never used their right of franchise as previously there were only male candidates in the field. Now the situation is different. Now women are determined too and they will come out for my victory. I have full faith in my people and I will emerge victorious.” She said that army should be called in areas where there is tension. She said that it seems that the help of army will have to be sought.
Khush Bakhsh Shujaat said that elections in Karachi used to be a fun and frolic but the current elections have brought terror and harassment. “In this atmosphere of fear we are facing difficulties to make contacts with people. If those responsible for maintaining law and order cannot deliver, they should quit their jobs. It is a matter of great regret that while tensions reign supreme in Karachi, big political parties are running their election campaigns elsewhere and they have not bothered even to issue a statement condemning those responsible for the situation.
In a brief statement Faryal Talpur said that it is a tradition with PPP to provide opportunities for women to march forward. “I have a number of opponents in the next elections but I am sure that I will emerge victorious,” she said.
Mehtab Akbar Rashidi said that she was not against reserved seats for women, but if you win your way to assembly you get equal representation in the house.
Vero Kohili was of the view that only the poor will come to help the poor in order to end difficulties. My brothers are helping me in my electioneering. “Difficulties would not disappear unless we fight them out. Whether I win or lose, I will continue to fight for my rights. I will fight for the rights of labourers. My priorities would be education, health, and problems faced by women. She said that her co-villagers made contributions and fixed my banners, but the opponents tore them apart. I am glad that Muslims and Hindus both are helping me. There are only 60,000 women’s votes in the constituency. My opponents can tear my banners but cannot take away the love the people of my constituency have for me. I wish to get 1.7 million tillers of the land freed from the serfdom of landlords