Female Leaders
PESHAWAR: In the upcoming general elections on February 8, several female leaders are actively vying for both national and provincial assembly seats in Peshawar, on Monday. This marks a significant shift, with past elections witnessing limited success for women in securing general seats. Notable exceptions include Begum Nasim Wali Khan, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Ghazala Habib Tanoli, and Samar Haroon Bilour, who achieved victories in previous elections.
Begum Nasim Wali Khan made history as the first woman from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to win a general seat in the National Assembly during the 1977 polls. In the 1988 general elections, Begum Nusrat Bhutto secured an MNA position from Chitral. Ghazala Habib Tanoli emerged victorious as an MPA from Mansehra in 2002, while Samar Haroon Bilour succeeded as an MPA from Peshawar in the 2018 general elections.
In the current electoral landscape, Shandana Gulzar, a former Member of the National Assembly on a seat reserved for women, is a frontrunner for the NA-30 seat. Another notable candidate is Sobia Shahid of PML-N, contesting for NA-31. The ANP has nominated former MPA Samar Haroon Bilour for the provincial assembly seat from inner Peshawar, PK-83.
Women candidates are actively participating in various districts of KP, demonstrating a broader engagement in politics. Dr. Savera Parkash, a woman from the Hindu community, has garnered attention by contesting for a provincial assembly seat, PK-25, from Buner district, on a PPP ticket.
This surge in female political participation signifies a positive shift towards gender inclusivity in the political arena, challenging historical norms and providing more opportunities for women to play a prominent role in shaping the future of the region.
