Siraj demands elections for NA, PA on same day.

KHYBER -- Jamaat-i-Islami chief Sirajul Haq has demanded holding of elections for National and provincial assemblies on the same day, saying the current economic situation could not afford to hold elections on separate days.

Addressing a large peace rally in Bara tehsil of Khyber tribal district, he also stressed the need for an independent judiciary. The JI-sponsored peace rally was held in defiance of the Section 144 imposed by the district administration only a day ahead of the public gathering.

Siraj said that holding of transparent elections were not possible without an impartial 'establishment', independent judiciary and independent election commission.

He criticised the ruling Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and said that both were equally responsible for the current political and economic conditions of the country.

JI holds peace rally in Khyber despite imposition of Section 144

He accused the 'establishment' of first supporting PTI and then backing PDM to form a coalition government in the centre.

The JI chief said that people of the region were disappointed with the government's failure to honour its commitments about the development of tribal districts.

He said that condition of educational institutions and health facilities was not changed while tribesmen were not getting free and speedy justice from the judicial system extended to the...