Pakistan's Islamic scholars have urged women to cast their vote in the January 8 general election, saying that the holy Quran calls on everyone to exercise their franchise.

At a seminar in Islamabad on 'The role of religious leaders in voter awareness', the scholars were unanimous in the view that it is the duty of every citizen to exercise his or her right to vote in light of the Quran and 'Sunnah'.

Around 25 scholars, representing various schools of thought, participated in the seminar organised on Sunday by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives. Rukhsana Ghazanfar, the chairperson of the women's wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami, expressed concern at elite women remaining aloof from political activities.

"It is imperative that they be included in this process in greater numbers as they are among the more informed strata of society and could base their vote on greater objectivity," she told The News.

Ghazanfar said the major reason for women staying away from the electoral process is lack of transportation and security issues at polling stations. "If separate polling stations are provided and proper transportation is arranged, the turnout would increase," she reasoned.

Qari Mohammed Jameel, a religious leader, said the nation's interests should be utmost for voters. Participants, however, expressed doubts over the holding of free and fair polls. They said that without a free media and judiciary, free and fair elections could not be expected.