General elections are set to take place in Pakistan on February 8, 2024, to choose representatives for the 16th National Assembly. In a historic move, a Hindu woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district has entered the political arena by filing her nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming polls, as reported by Dawn.
Saveera Parkash is the first woman from Buner to vie for a general seat, having officially submitted her nomination papers for PK-25 in the district. A 2022 Abbottabad International Medical College graduate, Saveera Prakash is breaking new ground in her pursuit of political representation.
Breaking new ground, Saveera Parkash, a member of the Hindu community in Buner district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has made history by officially submitting nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming Pakistan general elections. Representing the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Parkash, following in the footsteps of her father Oam Parkash—a dedicated PPP member for 35 years and recently retired as a doctor—is set to embark on a political journey.
With a medical background, Parkash underlines that her dedication to "serving humanity is in my blood." Her aspiration to become an elected legislator is rooted in firsthand experiences with inefficiencies and helplessness witnessed in government hospitals during her medical career.
Expressing her commitment to women's welfare, Saveera Parkash underscored her dedication to creating a secure environment and championing women's rights. Parkash also highlighted the historical neglect and suppression of women in the development sector, outlining her intent to tackle these issues if elected.
As a representative of the Hindu community, Parkash holds a positive outlook on running in the elections under the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) banner. This decision aligns with the path taken by her father, Oam Parkash, a recently retired doctor who has steadfastly served as a committed member of the PPP for the past 35 years.
Recent revisions by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandate the compulsory inclusion of five percent of women candidates in general seats.
