In a groundbreaking development, Dr. Saveera Parkash, a member of the Hindu community residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Buner district in Pakistan, has officially submitted her nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming 2024 general elections, as reported by Dawn.
Dr. Parkash, with aspirations to contest the elections on a Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ticket, is notably the first woman from Buner to file nominations for a general seat. Her father, Oam Parkash, a retired doctor and longstanding PPP member, has been actively associated with the party for the past 35 years.
Local politician Saleem Khan, affiliated with the Qaumi Watan Party, confirmed that Dr. Saveera Parkash has set a historic precedent by being the inaugural woman from Buner to enter the candidacy fray for a general seat. A 2022 graduate of Abbottabad International Medical College, she currently holds the position of general secretary in the PPP women's wing in Buner.
Dr. Parkash expressed her desire to follow in her father's footsteps by serving the underprivileged in the region. She officially submitted her nomination papers on December 23, emphasizing her commitment to championing the well-being of women, ensuring a secure environment, and advocating for their rights. Dr. Parkash underscored the consistent oppression and neglect faced by women, especially in terms of development.
Addressing her potential endorsement by the party for candidacy, she voiced optimism, stating that the senior leadership had approached her father, seeking his approval for her to run for the general seat. Drawing on her medical background, she highlighted her inherent inclination to "serve humanity," shaped by firsthand experiences of witnessing mismanagement and helplessness in government hospitals during her tenure as a doctor.
Imran Noshad Khan, a social media influencer from Buner, expressed his unequivocal support for Dr. Parkash, regardless of her political affiliation. He stressed the significance of acknowledging that it took 55 years since Buner merged with Pakistan for a woman to step forward and contest elections, challenging deeply ingrained stereotypes perpetuated by traditional patriarchy.
Recent amendments by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandate the inclusion of five percent of women candidates in general seats. The upcoming general elections in Pakistan are scheduled for February 8, 2024, aiming to elect members of the 16th National Assembly. The prominent parties in contention include the Pakistan Muslim League (N), led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), led by former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. The detailed schedule was announced by the Election Commission of Pakistan on December 15.
