15 September, 2025:  On World Democracy Day, PODA organized Mock Polling Sessions for women in Karachi under the Rural Women’s Network for Civic Leadership and Participation Project Funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) with the collaboration of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). These sessions aimed to increase women’s participation in democratic processes by providing hands-on practice in the voting procedure. Community members, especially women and youth, learned the correct way to cast their votes.

Ms. Amtul Aleem Farooqui, PODA Rural Women Leader and member of the District Information Women Alliance (DIWA), conducted a session at Pir Farrukh Shah Sarhandi Public School, Abad Village, Bare Jamali Pull, Karachi. The session was attended by 57 participants, out of which only 20 participants had valid CNICs. Ms. Sarwat Batool, Assistant Election Commissioner Karachi East, and Mr. Azaad Ali, Sub-Assistant from ECP, also participated in the session, emphasizing the importance of CNICs, explaining that they are essential for access to educational facilities, Bank Opening, voting, and eligibility for government schemes. ECP team trained participants on the correct method of casting their votes, helping them to better understand the polling process and reduce the chances of vote rejection.  Moreover, ECP Team assured that MRV (Mobile Registration Vehicle) will be sent to the area next month to facilitate CNIC registration for the remaining participants.