SOUTH WAZIRISTAN LOWER (AK Wazir): The recent Karmaz Khel elections in Wana, South Waziristan, concluded successfully, reflecting the community’s commitment to democratic traditions and transparent leadership.. In Wana, more than 380 members cast their votes with enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility. The process reflected the community’s commitment to strengthening democratic traditions at the grassroots level.
Polling began at 8:30am and continued until 12 noon. Soon after voting ended, the election committee started the counting process and announced the results in a neutral environment, ensuring transparency.
According to the results, Zakarya Wazir was elected unopposed as president. Saddam Hussain Wazir won the chairman’s slot with 218 votes, while his rival Iqbal received 166 votes. For the post of general secretary, Janbaz Khan secured 257 votes, defeating Mansoor Ali, who received only 73. In the contest for finance secretary, Shamsur Rehman won with 238 votes. Asif Nawaz and Israr received 122 and 117 votes, respectively.
After his victory, newly elected president Zakarya said he would strive to live up to the community’s trust. He pledged to strengthen unity among members and mobilise the youth for collective progress.
Chairman Saddam Hussain called his success a triumph for the entire community rather than an individual achievement. He vowed to prioritise improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to address the longstanding issues faced by the people.
General secretary Janbaz Khan stressed that all decisions of the community would be made through consultation and transparency. He also pledged to create more opportunities for youth and students. This will help them play a constructive role in the future leadership of the community.
Members of the Karmaz Khel community expressed satisfaction with the fair and peaceful electoral process. They called it a positive example of grassroots democracy. They voiced high expectations from the newly elected leadership and hoped the team would work on a priority basis to resolve key issues and take practical steps for collective development.
Observers noted that the election showed local communities possess both the capacity and the will to choose their leadership democratically. The responsibility now lies with the new office-bearers. They must honour the trust placed in them and ensure unity and sustainable progress for the Karmaz Khel community.
