Pak's first Hindu woman who contests from general seat aims for girls' upliftment
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In a historic stride towards inclusivity and progressive politics, 25-year-old Dr Saveera Parkash, a Hindu woman from Buner district in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, is poised to contest the upcoming elections as the People's Party of Pakistan (PPP) candidate for Buner’s PK-25 seat in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Assembly.
This pioneering move by Dr Parkash is not only breaking religious barriers but also challenging gender norms in a region that has seen tensions between the Taliban and Pakistani security forces.
Saveera's candidacy represents a significant departure from the norm, as she aims to become the first minority woman to contest from a general seat rather than one reserved for religious minorities, according to a report published in The Indian Express.
Saveera, the daughter of Dr Om Parkash, a PPP member, and Dr. Yelena Parkash from Russia, is focused on addressing key issues in her district, including education, health, and the condition of women. She advocates for moving beyond outdated divisions based on religious lines and emphasizes the importance of working towards a more inclusive society.
The response to Saveera's candidacy has been overwhelmingly positive, with the local community embracing her as 'Buner ki Beti' (Buner's daughter), recognizing her as a native Pashtun rather than solely as a Hindu woman. The decision by the PPP to field her from a general seat underscores a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in politics.
Saveera's vision for her district includes tackling the gender disparity in education, with a focus on making education accessible to all. She notes the limited opportunities for girls, who often end up working as domestic helpers due to a lack of accessible education. Similarly, the healthcare sector in Buner faces challenges, especially for pregnant women, necessitating urgent improvements.
Despite the PPP not traditionally being a stronghold in Buner, Saveera's candidacy is viewed as a strategic effort to bring fresh perspectives into the political landscape, targeting both the youth and women. While victory is not guaranteed, Saveera remains undeterred, already having enrolled in a civil services academy for further preparation in case she does not win.
Saveera draws inspiration from her father, Dr Om Parkash, a cardiologist, and the late Benazir Bhutto, whose commitment to serving the country continues to drive her political aspirations. Notably, Saveera's candidacy has garnered attention and well-wishes from India, reinforcing the potential for stronger people-to-people ties and cultural understanding between the two countries.