Why Gandapur’s remarks against women and journalists are NOT okay

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and a prominent figure of opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has come under fire for his recent derogatory remarks targeting women and journalists.

His comments, widely condemned on social media following the former ruling party’s power show in capital Islamabad, have ignited a fierce debate, with critics condemning Gandapur, considered a close ally of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan, for perpetuating misogyny and hostility toward the media.

"Whether we have a NOC or not, our next rally will be in Lahore. Maryam [Nawaz], I'm coming. If we’re allowed to hold it at Minar-e-Pakistan, fine. Otherwise, we Pathans have a tradition: we bring the drums and the wedding guests. Don’t test us. I swear, if you push us, we’ll take you to a point where you’ll forget the Bangladesh [protests]. You’ll have nowhere to hide,” Gandapur said while addressing a charged crowd at Sangjani, the last village falling within the capital city's jurisdiction.

At the much-hyped power show, the firebrand PTI leader not only targeted the women but also accused journalists of being "sellouts and brokers" without providing any evidence.

"I challenge you all. Speak freely, say whatever you want. I will confront you (journalists), and this nation will stand by me. Expose those who claim to be journalists but take bribes, and reveal their true identities to the world," he asserted.

Activists of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of former country’s prime minister Imran Khan, take part in a public rally on the outskirts of Islamabad on September 8, 2024.AFP

The backlash over the derogatory remarks was swift, with activists, journalists, and political figures calling his remarks unacceptable in a democratic society where free speech and equal rights are constitutionally protected.

'Political tribalism'

“Gandapur's misogyny is not your average garden-variety that is pervasive across Pakistan. It is a form of political tribalism which asserts that ‘our’ journalists are better than yours; ‘our’ women are better than yours; ‘our’ women journalists are better than yours,” said Amber Rahim Shamsi, Editor Nukta Pakistan.

She said that Gandapur is able to slur and demean women and journalists with impunity because it has been normalized - even celebrated - within his party and his supporters.

‘PTI supporters should be offended’

“Filth in the name of politics. One can't help but feel sad for the people of KP. He is Imran Khan’s personal choice to rule the province and the poster boy for his ongoing battle,” anchorperson Absa Komal wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

“In a single speech, he has triggered racial sentiments and provoked the crowd (mostly from KP) against journalists. PTI supporters should be offended.”

Anchorperson Gharidah Farooqi said that the journalist community does not need a certificate of journalism from Gandapur or anyone else. “We will only speak the truth, no matter if someone likes it or not,” she wrote.

“Ali Amin Gandapur must apologize for his inappropriate behavior towards journalists and retract his baseless allegations. Imran Khan also needs to distance himself from Ali Amin Gandapur's conduct.”

Checkered past

This is not the first time Gandapur has made such remarks. Speaking at a public rally in Pakistan-administered Kashmir in 2021, Gandapur called Maryam Nawaz a "daku rani [queen of thieves]" and claimed she had plastic surgery done worth Rs80 million and that he would "reveal her real face".

"I have a lot more to say but I will only say this to her (Maryam) that if we come to slap then you will get slapped so much that your [real] face will be uncovered from the Rs80 million [cosmetic] surgery you have done from our [tax] money,” he was quoted as saying.

In November 2020, during a rally in Gilgit-Baltistan, he stated, "She is beautiful, but she spent millions of taxpayers' money on her surgeries." He also mentioned that if he chose anyone from the crowd and spent just a little of the taxpayers' money on their surgeries, they would look as handsome as Hollywood actors Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise.

A video clip of the minister's speech was shared on Twitter, leading to widespread outrage.

Condemnations

Shortly after the remarks, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the use of “foul language” during the rally.

“Mr Gandapur would do well to remember that freedom of expression, including opposing views, are critical to the health of a democracy. He should apologize to the press. Moreover, all political leaders must refrain from using such distasteful rhetoric,” it said.

Supporters of jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), wave party flags during a rally in Islamabad, Pakistan.Reuters

The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) also demanded an apology from the KP chief minister for using "vulgar remarks and issuing threats to journalists, mainly women.

“In Pakistan, journalists are performing their duties under unfavorable circumstances. PTI should inquire Gandapur for his language against the journalists, who are performing their duties under pressure and regulations, and he should apologize to the journalist community for his use of inappropriate words,” it said in a statement.

Additionally, AEMEND condemned the harassment of reporters by political workers at the rally and the obstruction of journalists from carrying out their duties.

PTI apologizes

Gandapur's objectionable remarks prompted protests by journalists on Monday in both the Senate and National Assembly. However, PTI leadership swiftly issued an unconditional apology.

“We respect the entire journalist community,” Gohar said. “I extend an unconditional apology for any hurt caused by the chief minister’s remarks, which were directed at only a few journalists.”

Remarks like those made by Ali Amin Gandapur are unacceptable because they perpetuate harmful stereotypes, degrade human dignity, and foster a culture of discrimination and intolerance.

The remarks about women in journalism perpetuate the deep-rooted sexism and misogyny. In Pakistan, where gender equality is already a significant issue, such statements further marginalize women, discouraging them from participating in public life.

Disparaging journalists is not just an attack on individuals but on the institution of the free press itself. Journalists play a critical role in holding power to account and ensuring transparency in democratic societies. When public figures demean or ridicule them, it sends a dangerous message that the media is not to be trusted or respected. This erodes press freedom and can create an environment where journalists are more vulnerable to threats and violence.

When leaders use offensive language, it normalizes hate speech in public discourse. If such remarks go unchallenged, they can embolden others to express similar views, leading to a broader culture of intolerance. This can result in the normalization of discrimination, making it harder to combat harmful ideologies and behaviors in society.