Women have played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s politics since independence. Today there are many inspirational women who are playing an active part in political activities and campaigns.
Fizza Zeeshan, President Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Karachi Women’s Wing, is also among those prominent women who are playing a significant role in politics. She shares her political journey in an exclusive interview with MM News.
MM News: When did you start your political career and why did you join PTI?
Fizza Zeeshan: I started my political career 11 years ago. In our family, women’s participation in politics was appreciated but my husband encouraged me. My family also believes that after Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Imran Khan is the only leader who can make Pakistan’s future bright. He is the nation’s only hope and so my family fully supported me in joining PTI.
MM News: How do you manage time for home and political tasks?
Fizza Zeeshan: It is very difficult for me to maintain the balance between politics and home. I have a habit of prioritizing political engagements. Hence, there there is often injustice to the family.
MM News: What changes have you made in the women’s wing?
Fizza Zeeshan: PTI is working successfully in Karachi under the leadership of Khurram Sher Zaman. I think there is no better leaders in Karachi than him and all wings are working together. As far as the women’s wing is concerned, we also try to work very well with him. Khurram is a very helpful person. He has a lot of respect for women which makes us feel good to work under his leadership.
MM News: What is the role of the women’s wing in cantonment board elections?
Fizza Zeeshan: The women’s wing has a major role in the cantonment board elections. Pakistan has a majority of women. The PTI women wing are playing their full role in all the cantonments.
MM News: Should women get a chance to contest elections?
Fizza Zeeshan: Our leader Prime Minister Imran Khan has always insisted that women should contest elections directly instead of reserved seats and come to the assemblies. This is also my personal view. I had applied for 2018 elections and by-elections but the decision to issue tickets is made by the party.
MM News: Will you support women candidates in cantonment elections?
Fizza Zeeshan: Many women have also applied for tickets in the upcoming cantonment elections. If the party issues them tickets, we will help them in every possible way and will support every PTI candidate irrespective of gender.
MM News: How will you address allegations of factions in PTI Karachi?
Fizza Zeeshan: Disagreements and differences are common in any political party. Democratic parties allows having a difference of opinion and everyone has a right to say. The impression of factionalism within PTI is incorrect. It is a democratic party and everyone has full freedom to express their views. I believe having a differing opinion is the essence of democracy and is a characteristic of PTI.
MM News: Can MNA Aftab Siddiqui ensure PTI’s victory in local body elections?
Fizza Zeeshan: Aftab Siddiqui is a great leader and the best choice for cantonment board elections. He is always active in every field and all wings enjoy working with him. I am confident that under his leadership, the PTI will succeeding in the cantonment and local body elections.
MM News: Where do you see your future in politics?
Fizza Zeeshan: Only Allah knows the future but actions are judged by intentions. We have always worked in good faith and sincerity for the welfare of the people and have served with full dedication and dedication. The rest depends on the will of Al-Might Allah.
MM News: Are you satisfied with the development work done in Karachi?
Fizza Zeeshan: The funds received from the prime minister by all our lawmakers are being used properly. Citizens can see who is working for the development of the city. We are doing things not part of our mandate and have responsibilities of the local government ourselves. We are also doing the tasks of the Sindh government. Inshallah, after winning the local body elections, the pace of development in Karachi will further accelerate.
MM News: What were the reasons for the PTI’s defeat in Karachi by-elections?
Fizza Zeeshan: There was no battle in NA-249 and there was no possibility of the PPP winning. We campaigned and conveyed our message in every street and house, but the PPP rigged the election. PPP bought the vote by handing out ration bags on election day. The people preferred these minor gains over huge facilities. The PPP also won in PS-88 by-polls through rigging, bullying, and intimidation. ۔
MM News: What is your message for women as head of the women’s wing?
Fizza Zeeshan: I would like to say to all the women of Pakistan that I am not the flagbearer of women’s rights. They should not consider themselves as equal to men because Allah has made them different and also granted them separate responsibilities. But they must get the rights that Allah Almighty and the Constitution of Pakistan have given them and fulfill their duties. You cannot negate your responsibilities by getting your rights. As a mother, daughter, and wife, your rights and duties are different and you should play your role.
