There are many political parties, the major ones being Jamiat Ullamah Islam (JUI), Pakhtoon Khawa Milli Awami Party (PMAP), Muslim League, Pakistan People Party and Jamhoori Watan Party (JWP).

The role of women in political parties is negligible, due to factors such as low literacy and strong belief in the traditional role of women. Although seats are allocated to women in the local bodies institutions, women’s representation is very poor.