Pakistan's first-ever Hindu Dalit woman Senator sworn in
What's the story
Krishna Kumari Kolhi from Pakistan's Sindh province who became the first-ever Hindu Dalit woman Senator in the Muslim-majority country was sworn in as a member of the Upper House. She was among 51 legislators to take the oath. 39-year-old Kolhi, a member of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People's Party, belongs to a remote village of Dhana Gam in Nagarparkar district of Thar. Here's more.
The oath
Kohli's oath administered by Presiding Officer Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasar
Presiding Officer Sardar Yaqoob Khan Nasar administered the oath to the Senators elected on 3 March by the federal and provincial assemblies. Kohli was elected Senator on a minority seat from Sindh. Meanwhile, former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, an accused in the Panama Papers scandal, was not present to take the oath as he is in London due to poor health.
Details
Kolhi's election represents major milestone for women and minority rights
Kolhi reached the parliament house with her family in traditional Thari dress, a trademark of Tharparker district of Sindh province. She told the media that she would work to improve the healthcare and water shortage issues along with efforts to resolve problems faced by the women of Tharparkar. Her election represents a major milestone for women and minority rights in Pakistan.