Bajaur jirga bars women from making calls to radio stations

F.P. Report

PESHAWAR: Although the bulk of Pakistanis have adapted themselves to the rules and norms of the 21st century, there are, however, still some areas in the country where people detest the new civilization and are clinging to their customs even today.

One such incident, which could better illustrate this, happened in tehsil Mamond of Bajaur District on Saturday where a jirga imposed a ban on the women barring them from making phone calls to the radio station and visiting centres offering stipends to the babies.

In a strange move, the elders of Mamond also barred the women from visiting Sada-e-Aman Centre, a place where cash is given to women after delivery of babies as per the government policy, as the procedure is objectionable.

The Jirga also announced that Rs10,000 fine would be slapped on the family of the woman found violating this ban. Similarly, it also announced that if any outsider was found selling goods in the area, not only he would be expelled but his goods would also be confiscated.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government had allowed many FM radio stations in the merged districts of the province to counter the narratives shaped by foreign radio broadcasts focused on the region.

According to one report, the KP government had spent Rs100 million on making functional five radio stations in Bajaur, Mohmand, Kurram, North and South Waziristan tribal districts.

The radio stations have not only become the source of entertainment and information but are also highlighting the efforts of the government.

The radio stations also provided a platform to the government authorities to air and share their opinion, views and grievances.