The rude senator

This refers to the editorial, ‘A note of disgust’ (June 12, 2016). I had the misfortune of watching the talk-show in which JUI-F Senator Hafiz Hamdullah hurled abusive language at analyst Marvi Sirmed when she tried to corroborate the views of another analyst. Having a difference of opinion on any subject is understandable but using abusive and un-parliamentary language, that too towards a female and one a TV show, reflects the dismally low intellectual level of the abuser. The JUI-F senator conveniently forgot the emphasis Islam lays on respecting women. His behaviour must be condemned by all. Does his party leader, Maulana Fazlur Rehman have the moral courage to publically admonish and seek an apology from his erring senator?

Another aspect of this distasteful episode was the unprofessional role of the talk-show producer. As rightly pointed out in the editorial, why wasn’t recording stopped immediately when it took such an ugly turn – especially when the anchor was seen begging desperately for sanity to prevail. It was interrupted only after the senator had finished his filthy tirade against Marvi Sirmed. It is, therefore, imperative that a thorough investigation be conducted by Pemra and suitable measures adopted to avoid such incidents.

Group Captain (r) Saeed Nawaz Khan

Rawalpindi