Dr. Saveera Parkash, the first Hindu candidate contesting the upcoming general elections on the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) ticket from the Buner (PK-25) constituency, has expressed her commitment to building diplomatic bridges between Pakistan and India and advocating for women’s rights in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The 25-year-old candidate considered the “daughter of Buner,” has received overwhelming support from her Muslim counterparts, who not only assured her of their votes but also pledged their complete support. Dr. Saveera, emphasizing humanity as the primary religion, sees her candidacy as a significant milestone in the relatively conservative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Born in 1998 in the village of Dagar, Dr. Saveera received her primary and secondary education in her native district and pursued her FSC in pre-medical from Lahore. After completing her medical education in Abbottabad and undergoing a house job, she is currently preparing for the Central Superior Services (CSS) following her nomination by the PPP.
Chose the PPP due to her family’s 37-year-long support for the party, Dr. Saveera’s priorities as a lawmaker would include promoting education, addressing health issues, and tackling environmental pollution. She expressed concern about the lack of health facilities and awareness about healthcare in her district, emphasizing her dedication to solving these problems.
Dr. Saveera also highlighted gender inequality and limited opportunities for women as significant issues she aims to address. If elected, she plans to contribute positively to relations between Pakistan and India and work towards solving the problems faced by Hindus on both sides of the border.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s visit to India and Dr. Saveera’s nomination on the party ticket are seen as positive developments in bilateral relations. Dr. Saveera, proud of her Pashtun culture, has received extensive support, not only from the PPP but also from other parties, indicating a broad base of support, including from Muslim voters.
Senator Rubina Khalid, PPP KP’s women’s wing head, referred to Dr. Saveera as a “gifted daughter” and emphasized the party’s commitment to inclusivity, citing their history of promoting individuals from minorities in both KP and Sindh.
Welcoming Dr. Saveera into politics, Awami National League (ANP) leader Samar Haroon Bilour encouraged women and minorities to actively participate in politics, recognizing the importance of their support.
