Dr. Saveera Parkash is poised to make history as the first female minority candidate running in the upcoming general elections from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Buner district.
She has officially submitted her nomination papers for the general seat of PK-25, indicating her intent to contest the elections on a PPP ticket. Dr. Parkash, a member of the Hindu community, draws inspiration from her father, Oam Parkash, a recently retired doctor and longstanding PPP member.
Local politician Saleem Khan, associated with the Qaumi Watan Party, notes that Parkash’s candidacy marks a significant milestone, as she is the first woman from Buner to submit nomination papers for a general seat.
Having completed her MBBS from the Abbottabad International Medical College in 2022, Dr. Parkash currently serves as the general secretary of the PPP women’s wing in Buner. She expressed her commitment to following in her father’s footsteps by working for the welfare of the area’s underserved population.
Dr. Parkash emphasized her dedication to addressing the challenges faced by women in the region, aiming to create a safe space for them and ensure their rights. She highlighted the historical neglect and suppression of women, particularly in the development sector.
When asked about receiving a party ticket, Dr. Parkash expressed optimism, stating that the “senior leadership” had requested her father to allow her to run for the general seat. Her motivation to enter politics stems from her medical background and firsthand experiences of inadequacies and helplessness in government hospitals.
Imran Noshad Khan, a social media influencer from Buner, voiced his support for Dr. Parkash, regardless of her political affiliation. He commended her for challenging traditional patriarchal stereotypes, noting that it took 55 years since Buner merged with Pakistan for a woman to step forward and contest elections.
Recent amendments by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) mandate a five percent inclusion of women candidates on general seats, reflecting a positive step towards gender diversity in political representation.
