ISLAMABAD: More than twenty female candidates from various national and provincial constituencies clinched victories in the recent general elections held last week in Pakistan, a nation known for its conservative social landscape where women frequently encounter obstacles in accessing essential services such as healthcare and education.
On February 8, hundreds of women vied for positions in elections held throughout Pakistan. While the country’s constitution mandates reserved seats for women in both provincial and national assemblies, political parties seldom permit women to run beyond these quotas.
In a display of resilience within a traditionally conservative society, where many women face disenfranchisement enforced by male relatives, these 27 determined candidates campaigned vigorously for change, ultimately triumphing by garnering thousands of votes.
Shandana Gulzar Khan (PTI)
Shandana Gulzar Khan, former Deputy Minister and Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Commerce of Pakistan, Pakistan speaking during a session at the World Economic Forum on April 7, 2019. (Photo courtesy: World Economic Forum)
Maryam Nawaz (PML-N)
Maryam Nawaz, the daughter of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister and leader of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) party Nawaz Sharif waves to her supporters during an election campaign rally at Mansehra in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on January 22, 2024. (AFP/File)
Zartaj Gul Wazir (PTI)
Former member of National Assembly Zartaj Gul Wazir has won all four National Assembly seats in Dera Ghazi Khan district. Zartaj has defeated two important clans namely the Legharis and the Khosas in the general election.
Shazia Marri (Pakistan Peoples Party)
Former federal minister and Pakistan Peoples Party candidate Shazia Marri.
Faryal Talpur (Pakistan Peoples Party)
Faryal Talpur (C) sister of Asif Ali Zardari, former President and the co-chairperson of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), leaves the Islamabad High Court in Islamabad, Pakistan, on June 10, 2019.
Nafisa Shah (Pakistan Peoples Party)
Pakistani lawmaker Nafisa Shaha, daughter of Qaim Ali Shah who has served as a federal minister, a senator, and thrice the chief minister of Sindh, speaks during a session of the National Assembly in Islamabad, Pakistan on June 19, 2023. (Photo courtesy: @NAofPakistan/X)
Shezra Mansab Kharal (PML-N)
Shezra Mansab Kharal (C), winning candidate from NA-112 Nankana Sahib and daughter of Pakistani politician Rai Mansab Ali Khan, makes victory sign after winning polls. (@DrShezraKharral/X)
Ayesha Nazir Jatt (PTI)
