Baseerat Shinwari first woman to contest polls from Orakzai

KALAYA: Baseerat Shinwari, the first woman candidate from Orakzai tribal district, made a history when she filed nomination papers for the PK-94 to make it to the provincial assembly in the upcoming general elections slated for February 8, 2024.

Baseerat Shinwari is the first woman from Khyber tribal district, who decided to contest elections on the general seat from Orakzai district after the merger of erstwhile Fata into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

After the scrutiny of her nomination papers, the woman candidate told reporters that the time had come the women must come out of their homes and participate in active politics to bring about a positive change in the society.

She said that development of the country and prosperity of the nation in all spheres of life was not possible without women’s participation in all sectors of government and society.

“The aim of my contesting elections is to encourage other women to come out and compete and join every field of life, including political arena,” Baseerat Shinwari said, adding that women should be given their rights as per the tribal traditions.