Women reshaping political landscape

Largest number of female candidates in the run in South Punjab’s history

MULTAN:

South Punjab, traditionally considered a backward region of Punjab, is witnessing a remarkable shift in its political landscape with an unprecedented surge in women’s electoral participation. As many as 20 women from the region are contesting open seats in the 2024 general election.

In a noteworthy development leading up to the elections scheduled for February 8th, the active participation of women is being lauded as a commendable and historic milestone for the region. This marks the first time in South Punjab’s electoral history that such a substantial number of women have actively engaged in the political process, demonstrating a desire to contribute meaningfully to public service.

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Of the six National Assembly seats and twelve Provincial Assembly seats, female candidates have submitted their papers for five National Assembly seats and nine Provincial Assembly seats. Among the notable women contenders for National Assembly seats are Aneela Iftikhar, Makkaya Bibi (NA 148), Dr Robeena Akhtar (NA 149), Mehr Bano Qureshi (NA 150) and Naghma Mushtaq (NA 153).

Simultaneously, Ayesha Siddiqa, Naeem un Nisa, Saira Ali, Qurban Fatima, Shazia Begum, Shumaila Ejaz Shah, Farzana Salman, Syed Zulihuma, Syed Qurat ul Ain, Madeeha Rehman, Sabeen Gul, Naghma Mushtaq and Kalsoom Naaz are vying for various constituencies of the Punjab Assembly.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2023