In a first, Hindu woman ‘Saveera Parkash’ files nomination for Pakistan general elections

Digital Desk: In a first of its kind, a Hindu woman from the Buner region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has submitted her nomination papers for a general seat in the upcoming elections that will elect the members of the 16th National Assembly of Pakistan on February 8, 2024. 

With confidence, Saveera Parkash plans to run for the general seat of PK-25 in Buner on the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) ticket. She has formally filed her nomination papers. 

Parkash is a 2022 graduate of Abbottabad International Medical College. She serves as the general secretary of the PPP women's wing in Buner, according to a report published by the news agency Dawn. 

She highlighted her goal to fight for women's rights and to improve the lives of women by creating a safe atmosphere. In addition, Parkash underlined the historical undervaluation and repression of women in the development sector, issues that she hopes to resolve if elected.

Parkash mentioned in an interview with Dawn that she wanted to work for the less fortunate in the community, just like her father had. On December 23, she turned in her nomination papers, hoping that the PPP's senior leadership would support her.

With a medical education, Parkash made it clear that "serving humanity is in my blood." Her personal experiences with incompetent leadership and powerlessness at public hospitals during her medical career are the inspiration behind her desire to run for office as a legislator.

According to Dawn, Buner-based social media star Imran Noshad Khan endorsed Saveera Parkash wholeheartedly, regardless of her political stance. 

It took 55 years for Buner to unite with Pakistan, so he applauded her for shattering biases that are reinforced by conventional patriarchy and emphasised the importance of a woman running for office in this region.