Buner's first PPP-backed Hindu candidate loses to PTI's Riaz Khan

PPP's Dr Saveera Parkash, Buner's first Hindu candidate, has lost to PTI-backed independent candidate Riaz Khan in Buner’s PK-25, constituency of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Provincial Assembly. 

Parkash was the first Hindu female candidate from KP’s Buner who participated in the general elections 2024. 

Unofficial results of the said constituency showed that she managed to secure only 1,754 votes against PTI's Riaz Khan, who emerged victorious with more than 28,000 votes. 

However, Dr Parkash acknowledged that she was not outvoted and expressed gratitude towards those who supported her. 

She also shared a video message for PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and praised him for his unwavering support.

Dr Parkash’s nomination had grabbed the attention of international media as Western media portrays Pakistan as a potentially dangerous country for minorities.

Her father, Dr Om Parkash, is a highly-regarded medical professional in Buner, and is affiliated with PPP. Her mother Dr Yelena Primakova Parkash is a Christian from Russia.