40-year-old Pakistani housewife Badam Zari runs for parliament A 40-year-old Pakistani housewife has made history by becoming the first woman to run for parliament from the country's northwest tribal region, a highly conservative area that is a haven for Islamist militants. Badam Zari told Associated Press on Monday that she will participate in the May 11 election to bring greater attention to problems facing women, which she believes the government has ignored.
“I want to reach the assembly to become a voice for women, especially those living in the tribal areas,” Zari said.
Zari is from Bajur, part of Pakistan's semiautonomous tribal region bordering Afghanistan. Zari, who finished high school and does not have any children, said she filed the paperwork necessary to run for office on Sunday in Khar, the main town in Bajur.
“This was a difficult decision, but now I am determined and hopeful society will support me,” Zari said.
Zari said she hopes she can convince women to come out to vote.
Zari said she has not yet received any threats or been discouraged from locals to run.