Dr Saveera Parkash, a 25-year-old doctor in Pakistan, has made history as she steps into the political arena as the first Hindu candidate from the minority community to represent the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) in the 16th National Assembly elections in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on February 8.
Just a month ago, the young medical professional, fresh out of her examinations, could not have imagined herself in the political spotlight.
Dr Saveera Parkash reflected on her remarkable journey, revealing a past marked by shyness and nervousness during her early years.
“You know, I used to be so shy that when guests visited, my then ten-year-old brother, Daniel Parkash, and I would hide in the washroom. Even during my MBBS at Abbottabad International Medical Institute, I struggled with nervousness while giving presentations,” she confessed over the phone on Monday morning.
At first, there was quite a loose weakness in her words when she was on a long telephone chat with Dhaka Tribune. Her uneasiness was comparable to those fingers in a frigid stream that had just been taken out of a glove. She gradually began to explain how being among people warmed her as the talk continued. Those loose, hesitant fingers clenched into fists. They finally go to grab the microphone. Then, she finds herself amid a maddening crowd. Embracing local customs, she draped a dupatta over her head when venturing outside to seek public support, drawing curiosity and admiration from those around her.
Dr Saveera’s entry into politics can be traced back to her connection with Rubina Khalid, the leader of the women’s wing of the PPP. Known as the “Daughter of Buner” in her home district, Dr Saveera Parkash passionately campaigns for the PPP in two of the three constituencies in Buner.
A significant turning point in her political journey occurred on January 4 when she met Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the leader of the PPP and prime ministerial candidate. She had travelled 15 hours from her Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residence to meet Bilawal, who suddenly remarked: “You have become very popular.”
This encounter followed their initial meeting on December 13 at the Women Workers Convention in Peshawar, leaving a lasting impression on the party chief.
Popular in rival camps
In her district, supporters of rival parties, including Imran Khan’s PTI and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, are reaching out to Dr Saveera on social media, urging others to vote for her. Despite the challenges, Dr Saveera’s engaging personality and dedication to the cause have garnered widespread recognition.
Dr Saveera’s election manifesto revolves around addressing poverty, improving education, and enhancing healthcare, drawing from her first-hand experiences witnessing the dire conditions in rural Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during her medical practice.
Her role model is the late Benazir Bhutto, and she finds inspiration in Benazir’s son, Bilawal, the current party chief.
Despite the whirlwind of political activities, Dr Saveera Parkash remains grounded. In earlier days, she used to find solace in leisure activities such as watching “The Parent Trap(1998)” and eighties comedy movies, as well as reading works by Jane Austen. She unfailingly dons spectacles with a big, distinctive decagon shape.
With large spectacles framing her eyes, conveying intelligence and vigor, Dr Saveera stands out in a generation dominated by beards, symbolizing a new era of diversity and inclusion in Pakistani politics.
As she boldly steps into uncharted territory, Dr Saveera’s mantra echoes loud and clear: “Nothing is impossible; it’s crucial to take the first step.” Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the evolving landscape of Pakistani politics, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Ayanangsha Maitra is an Indian journalist.