Imran Hafeez
In the political landscape of Pakistan, Dr Yasmin Rashid stands not merely as a representative of a political party but as a powerful symbol of women’s resistance, democratic courage, and unshakable resolve in the face of state repression. Her journey represents far more than just partisan loyalty—it embodies the broader struggle of Pakistani women to claim their space in political discourse and public leadership.
A seasoned gynecologist by profession and an unwavering political activist by conviction, Dr Rashid has long been on the frontlines of electoral politics and grassroots mobilization. Her candidacy in Lahore’s key constituency during the 2024 general elections, where she contested against former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, marked a bold and historic moment. It wasn’t simply a political rivalry—it was a statement of courage, conviction, and public trust in her leadership.
Multiple independent election observers and analysts, citing the available Form 45 data, believe Dr Rashid had secured a clear victory with a margin exceeding 20,000 votes. However, the official results declared her defeated—a decision that sparked widespread concern over electoral transparency and democratic integrity. This wasn’t just a blow to an individual candidate; it became a broader question about the credibility of elections and the system’s ability to protect the public mandate.
Yet, Dr Yasmin Rashid’s legacy extends far beyond the polling stations. What makes her story exceptional is her defiance against systemic oppression, particularly as a woman, a senior citizen, and a political leader. Despite facing repeated arrests, imprisonment, and relentless pressure from state institutions, she remained unyielding in her commitment to democratic principles. Her endurance in the face of adversity is a rare testament to political bravery in Pakistan’s male-dominated public sphere.
The recent 10-year prison sentence handed to her is not merely a judicial decision—it sends a troubling message to all women who aspire to enter the political arena. This verdict reflects a deeper sociopolitical resistance to women’s empowerment, signalling that assertive female voices in politics may be silenced through intimidation and punishment. In effect, Dr Rashid’s sentence is symbolic of a much larger problem: the systemic discouragement of women’s political participation in conservative societies like Pakistan.
In such contexts, women political workers are frequently viewed with suspicion, not only by state institutions but also by the broader society. They are judged by rigid social standards and forced to justify their public roles in ways their male counterparts are not. Yet, Dr Yasmin Rashid has consistently challenged these stereotypes—not through rhetoric, but through action. Her leadership in rallies, policy forums, and elections has shown that women are not just capable participants in politics; they are essential to it.
Democracy, at its core, depends on inclusive participation. Women’s presence in politics is not a matter of token representation—it is fundamental to ensuring social balance, intellectual diversity, and equitable governance. When women like Dr Rashid are punished for participating in democratic processes, it is not just their voices that are silenced, but the democratic ideal itself that is undermined.
State institutions must understand that the strength of democracy lies in its capacity to embrace dissent, accommodate difference, and protect those who challenge the status quo. If women leaders are to be criminalized for exercising their political rights, then we are not merely punishing individuals—we are systematically erasing democratic plurality and reinforcing patriarchal control over public life.
Dr Yasmin Rashid’s political journey is a guiding light for thousands of Pakistani women who aspire to shape the nation’s future. Her courage, clarity, and commitment offer inspiration in times of growing authoritarianism and democratic fragility. But if her example is met with state retaliation, it raises critical questions about whether Pakistan truly values democratic diversity—or only tolerates it when it serves those in power.
Democracy thrives on the strength of its dissenters and the inclusion of all segments of society—especially women. Their political participation is not just about rights; it is about creating a more responsive, representative, and resilient state. Punishing women for standing up in politics is an assault on the very fabric of democracy.
To preserve our democratic values, we must honour women like Dr Yasmin Rashid—not with prison sentences, but with respect and recognition. Her story reminds us that real change is never easy, especially for women in politics. But it is necessary, and it must be defended.
