Criminal behaviour

The Women’s Action Forum is shocked at the male abuse and threats against Ayesha Gulalai for speaking out against the sexual harassment she allegedly faced within the PTI. WAF is more dismayed at those women who are themselves targets of abusive misogyny, but join male squads in suspecting women for lying and fabricating their abuse for financial gain. Abuse against political women like Benazir Bhutto and those who stand up for their rights against cruelty such as Mukhtaran Mai, Malala and so many Pakistani women is a deliberate strategy to intimidate all women who dare to enter or speak out in male public spheres. Those cowardly social media users who are exhibiting blatant criminal behaviour and terrorising Gulalai with threats of acid attacks and sending jirgas to her house should come into the real world and meet survivors of such crimes. When party leaders tolerate or laugh off verbal abuse and harassment of women, it creates impunity and encourages the harassers to become more violent in their threats.

There is no doubt that the PTI has introduced a culture of openly abusive politics in Pakistan. If Naya Pakistan is so devoid of empathy, compassion, neutral reflection and is so morally hypocritical, maybe the old Pakistan was a better place which was at least not brazen in claiming pride over such spiteful misogyny against women. We urge all political parties to take urgent action against such political persecution of women and open inter-party investigations over such serious allegations.

Women’s Action Forum (Karachi)

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Despite the chaotic rush of events and unexpected changes in the government, much has remained constant in Pakistan’s politics. While personalities and patronage continue to dominate politics, development programmes, policies and any form of modern political vision remain in decline. Politicians have adopted the politics of obscurantism and religious sentiment to meet their political aims.

Hurling accusations and blaming each other have always remained a strong aspect of the country’s politics. The recent example is the PTI’s method of handling Ayesha Gulalai’s allegations. Instead of dealing with the situation in a mature manner, the PTI became a picture of political immaturity. The party should have addressed Ayesha Gulalai’s allegations in a responsible manner. The time has come to show some sense of responsibility and adopt constructive actions for the progress of the country.

Abdul Zahir (Jafarabad)