Looking beyond slander

After Ayesha Gulalai’s accusations, people believed that the women’s wing of the PTI will be more discreet in its unkind comments against one of their colleagues. However, it seems that this wing is under the toxic influence of its leadership. Therefore, men can go scot-free for all their wrongdoings. Ayesha Gulalai, a former member of the PTI had levelled certain serious allegations against Imran Khan. No one knows about the authenticity of these allegations unless there is an open and fair investigation into the allegations. However, it is rather sad to note that women in the party are being silenced by other women. What kind of culture and value system is the PTI promoting by using women members against a former colleague?

Initially, it was believed that owing to his bold stands on corruption, Imran Khan would come out and explain his position. Instead, he uses his colleagues to do his job. This is not going to convince the people. He needs to do the explaining himself. I would urge PTI leadership to demand an open and fair investigation into this case. While this happens, two things will be desirable. First, Imran Khan should step down from the party leadership for a fair investigation like he demanded from the former PM. Second, the PTI should immediately stop its members from engaging in a slanderous campaign against Gulalai. Instead of blaming the victim, the PTI should try to put its own house in order. It should educate its supporters to refrain from using foul language against others. It is time to take some corrective steps in this regard otherwise it would lose its support.

Dr Zafar I Qureshi (Lahore)