Pakistani-Hindu Woman Doctor to Contest in General Elections from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan's political landscape, Dr. Saveera Prakash, a Pakistani-Hindu woman and a professional doctor, is set to contest in the upcoming general elections from the Buner District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. This marks the first time a woman from the minority community will run for election in this region.

According to a report by Dawn, Dr. Prakash filed her nomination papers on December 23 for the PK-25 general seat. She is currently serving as the General Secretary of the Women's Wing of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the district and is expected to contest the election on the party's ticket.

Pakistan is gearing up for the elections of the 16th National Assembly, scheduled to be held on February 8 next year.

Dr. Prakash completed her MBBS in 2022 from Abbottabad International Medical College. She shared with Dawn that her medical background fuels her passion for serving humanity. Her aspiration to become an elected legislator emerged from witnessing the poor management and helplessness in government hospitals during her time as a doctor.

Following in her father's footsteps, who has been an active member of the PPP for 35 years, Dr. Prakash expressed her desire to work for the poor in her region. Her father, Dr. Om Prakash, also a doctor, has been a long-standing party member.

Supporting her candidacy, social media influencer Imran Noshaad Khan wrote on X, “Dr. Saveera Prakash is the first female candidate from Buner, marking a historic moment as women have previously not been involved in electoral politics in this area.” He added, “I wholeheartedly support her in breaking the shackles of conservatism.”

The Election Commission of Pakistan mandates a minimum representation of 5% for women candidates on general seats.

(Inputs - Agency)

(Photo courtesy: @RabNBaloch)