A Jirga (traditional assembly of elders) in the northern Pakistan’s Deral valley has barred women from casting votes in the upcoming elections for Gilgit-Baltistan Legislative Assembly. The contesting political parties, including religious political party Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), which is not represented on a national level, have endorsed the decision. It was made by 40 religious scholars and five local elders. More than 12,550 women in the constituency are now disenfranchised.