Even though Imran Khan might have claimed that his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would eradicate the current system of nepotism and corruption, there were serious discrepancies in the nomination of female candidates on reserved seats in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Taking notice of charges of nepotism in nomination of women candidates, activists of PTI women wing staged a protest demonstration in front of Peshawar Press Club on Saturday, demanding representation for some of the neglected activists.
An examination of the list of PTI leaders elected to National Assembly and KP Assembly reveals that most of them were close associates of KP Chief Minister Pervez Khattak, KP Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, both from the same party.
Ironically, PTI activists from Manshera also held Azam Swati responsible for party candidates’ defeat in the district and also demanded action against them.
Activists said that Nafeesa Khattak who was elected MNA on a PTI ticket is the sister-in-law of Chief Minister Pervez Khattak. Another MNA, Sajida Zulfikar is his niece whereas Mussarat Ahmadzeb is the niece of Nafeesa Khattak.
Aisha Gulalai is the fourth PTI MNA nominated from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, even though she represents FATA.
Both Naseem Hayat and Aisha Naeem have been elected to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and are first cousins. Naseem Hayat is also the president of PTI’s provincial women wing. Nadeya Sher, another PTI female MPA, is also from Swabi. In total, three women from Swabi have been nominated for the KP Assembly.
Furthermore, both Nasim Hayat and Aisha Naeem are also first cousins of former provincial minister Sitara Ayaz who was elected on an ANP ticket to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly in 2008 general elections. Similarly, they are also close relatives of Meraj Humayoon Khan who has been elected as MPA on a Quami Watan Party ticket. Naseem Hayat, Aisha Naeem and Meraj Humayoon Khan not only belong to a single village in Jhandha area of Swabi district but even are from same family.
Jhandha town of Swabi district is known for producing influential figures and military generals. General (r) Sher Bahdar Khan and General (r) Sher Khan and Colonel (r) Ali Gohar Khan were prominent among the generals hailing from this district. Dr Johar Khatoon, who belongs to the same town, is a leading gynecologist.
Among the PTI female MPAs, Dr Meher Taaj Roghani is considered to be a deserving candidate as she had made valuable contribution to the party. Belonging to Mardan, Meher Taj Roghani had served one of previous provincial caretaker governments. She is likely to become health minister in the new government.
In a similar case, MNA Nafeesa Khattak, Zarin Zia were elected as MPAs, both residing in Rawalpindi. She is the sister of former ANP MPA Yasmeen Zia. Zarin Zian is also believed to be a strong candidate for a ministerial office.