Elections 2018 saw upsets for major political bigwigs who lost to novice candidates in July 25 polls. Among women politicians up to grab National Assembly seats, prominent candidates who lost the race were Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan, Saira Afzal Tarar and Ayesha Gulalai.
In 2013 election, nine women made it to the National Assembly through direct vote but this time around, only eight women made it to the parliament.
The victorious women who’ll join National Assembly after direct vote are:
1) Mehnaz Aziz
Mehnaz Aziz of Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) secured victory from NA-77 Narowal-I constituency after securing 106,366 votes. Her closest competitor was Independent candidate Mian Tariq Anis, who secured 70,596 votes.
2) Ghulam Bibi Bharwana
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s (PTI) Ghulam Bibi Bharwana emerged victorious from NA-115 Jhang–II constituency after securing 91,434 votes.
3) Zartaj Gul
PTI’s Zartaj Gul claimed victory in NA-191 Dera Ghazi Khan-III constituency after securing 79,817 votes against former PML-N minister Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari.
4) Nafisa Shah
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Nafisa Shah clinched victory in NA-208 Khairpur constituency after securing 107,847 votes. 
5) Shazia Marri
PPP’s Shazia Maria was elected from the NA-216 Sanghar-II constituency after securing 80,752 votes.
6) Fahmida Mirza
Grand Democratic Alliance’s (GDA) Fahmida Mirza stood triumphant from NA-230 Badin-II constituency in a closely contested competition against PPP’s Haji Rasool Bux Chandio.
7) Shamsun Nisa
PPP leader Shamsun Nisa won in the NA-232 constituency of Thatta after securing 152,691 votes.
8) Zubaida Jalal
Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) candidate Zubaida Jalal created history after she was elected as the only women candidate for National Assembly from Balochistan.
