Who is Krishna Kumari?
Krishna Kumari is the second Hindu woman to be nominated as a Senator in Pakistan. She has been nominated for the post by the Pakistan People's Party. She is also a human rights activist whose specialties involve women's rights, bonded labour, and sexual harrassment at the workplace.
What is her background?
Born into the Kohli community, Ms. Kumari herself was sold into bonded labour as a child along with the rest of the family. She was freed during a police raid, reports Dawn, on the farmland of her employer, and later married at the age of 16. Ms. Kumari pursued her education after her marriage, earning a postgraduate degree in sociology.
Why is her nomination special?
The Pakistan Senate has had only one female Hindu member, Ratna Bhagwandas Chawla from the PPP, until now. Ms. Kumari is also the first Hindu woman belonging to a Scheduled Caste. Ms. Chawla represented the province of Sindh from 2006 to 2012, and if elected, Ms. Kumari would also represent Sindh.
When is the election?
The polls to the Upper House of Pakistan's Parliament is on March 3, 2018.
