Rehana Magsi: Pak Balochistan's First Female Contender

Rehana Magsi has made history as the first woman to run for office in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest but least populous province. Rehana, who represents the rural PB-11 constituency in the Jhal Magsi district, is running for a general seat in the forthcoming February 8 elections on behalf of the local political organization, Jamot Qaumi Movement.

Rehana highlights the discrepancies in her community, citing a lack of critical facilities such as education, healthcare, and water. Despite the significant political legacy of her own tribal chieftain, Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, the region is plagued by poor infrastructure, restricted healthcare access, and a lack of economic opportunity.

Rehana’s daring mission to defy her tribal chieftains' long-standing power is fraught with danger. Her major purpose is to promote awareness among community people, encouraging them to empower themselves and protect their basic rights. Undeterred, she launches a massive door-to-door campaign, riding motorbikes across villages with her supporting brother and husband.

In a separate historic step, Dr. Saveera Parkash, the first woman from the minority Hindu group, is making her mark by running for provincial office in the KPK Buner area.

These advances mark a fundamental shift in the political environment, with women breaking down barriers and questioning established conventions in search of representation and development. Despite increasing awareness and technical improvements, women are actively exercising their rights and participating in politics, but with major hurdles entrenched in religious and traditional conventions.