Pukhtana
Saveera Parkash, a 25-year-old doctor and the first woman from Buner to contest in the general election for constituency PK-25 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, vehemently asserted her identity as a Pukhtana during an interview.
Dismissing the propaganda against Pakistan regarding its treatment of minorities and women, Parkash emphasized that the people of her district consider her one of their own, embracing her as a Pukhtana rather than categorizing her as a minority Hindu woman.
Contesting the 2024 election on the PPP’s ticket for both a general seat and a reserved seat for minorities, Parkash has garnered widespread support, earning the title of “Daughter of Buner” from the people of her district. During the interview, she refuted biased questions from the host, highlighting the inclusive support she received from various political parties irrespective of religion or gender.
In response to references made by the host to former cricketer Danish Kaneria’s allegations of suppression of the Hindu minority in Pakistan, Parkash shared her personal experience, firmly denying any discrimination and asserting that she had never felt like an outsider in her hometown. Addressing the misconception that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is less progressive than other regions, she emphasized the significant support she received, even in the relatively backward district of Buner.
To the host’s surprise, Parkash, born and raised in Buner, confidently stated, “I was born in Pakistan and brought up in Pakistan. My duties and responsibilities have further increased since I was declared the daughter of the district,” reaffirming her complete integration into Pakistani society, irrespective of her religious background.
