In a stunning change of events, the recent general elections on February 8 saw 12 female candidates from four political parties score historic victories over formidable male opponents in their respective districts.
Five of the female candidates are independents supported by the PTI; four are members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N); two are PPP; and one is a MQM-P candidate.
Four of the female candidates—Maryam Nawaz, Aneeqa Bhatti, Aisha Jutt, and Amber Niazi—overcame formidable opposition to win their first-ever National Assembly seat.
Shandana Gulzar won in Peshawar, Aneeqa Bhattai in Hafizabad, Aisha Nazir Jutt in Vehari, Anbar Majeed in Layyah, and Zartaj Gul in DG Khan, according to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The five women ran for office in the polls with support from the PTI.
Shizra Mansab in Nankana, Maryam Nawaz in Lahore, Nosheen Iftikhar in Sialkot, and Tehmina Doltana in Vehari were all victorious for the PML-N.
Three ladies in Sindh were victorious in a challenging competition. In Khairpur and Sanghar, respectively, PPP candidates Shazia Marri and Nafeesa Shah prevailed.
Asia Ishaq of MQM-P beat her opponent in Karachi.
