Images

Let Ayesha Gulalai's case be a lesson in how NOT to talk about harassment in Pakistan

Let Ayesha Gulalai's case be a lesson in how NOT to talk about harassment in Pakistan

The country has descended into an ugly and inappropriate debate on Ayesha Gulalai. Here's how you can do better
Updated 04 Aug, 2017

Pakistan's political landscape experienced a new jolt after the Friday disqualification of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, when PTI lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai levelled allegations of harassment against PTI Chairman Imran Khan and other members of his party.

Responses to Gulalai's allegations highlight several troubling aspects of the way we talk about harassment in Pakistan.

The facts of Gulalai's case remain murky at present, but this is a harassment case that will play out in the public eye, and thus, it is likely to shape the way future complaints are addressed and also the way people think about harassment and victims who report its occurrence.

Against this background, it becomes doubly important for everyone involved to issue their statements on the matter in a responsible manner.

However, this has not been the case. It is well known that many in Pakistan are not sympathetic to women who seek to take a stand against gender discrimination or harassment. But reactions to Ayesha Gulalai's claims from everyone to celebrities to the average citizen have been overwhelmingly negative, with some questioning her character and others even called for her to be attacked with acid.

So where do we go from here, and what's the right way to talk about claims of harassment? Read on to find out.

1) DON'T: Slander an entire gender if you suspect one woman to be untrue

Who's guilty of this one? Hamza Ali Abbasi.

It's one thing to have resolute faith in your party leader and quite another thing to undermine a possibly legitimate complaint against him as an act of "playing the woman card".

Hamza Ali Abbasi's allegation that Gulalai is "playing the woman card" splits the issue of harassment along gender lines, creating something of a gender war. This is dangerous and irresponsible.

The courts and police system are already replete with challenges for women who wish to seek justice against perpetrators of crimes committed against them — let's not add to those challenges by irresponsibly propagating the notion that women exploit their gender for personal gain.

This is a problematic line of thinking because it can be used to repeatedly discredit other women who come forward to report harassment.

To Hamza, we'd like to say this: don't create divisions where there are none. Don't create an atmosphere where women are distrusted from the outset. Don't belittle an entire gender if you disagree with one woman.

Hamza, who has followers to the tune of 4 million on Facebook, should have known better.

2) DON'T: Expect victims of harassment to align with a timeline that satisfies you

A lot of people have questioned why Gulalai remained silent for all these years when she revealed that she first began receiving inappropriate texts from IK and the party members in 2013. Case in point, Anoushey Ashraf.

People have failed to consider that it takes a considerable amount of courage to come forward with a harassment complaint given the consequences of speaking up. The suggestion that harassment complaints can become outdated or have an expiry date is very problematic given that it is, in fact, common for harassment victims to come forward after years.

In fact, regardless of the outcome of these allegations, victims of harassment have often revealed their experiences to the public long after they happened, and have received recompense nonetheless.

For example, former Uber employee Susan Fowler suffered discrimination for a whole year before she made her grievances public. As her case was examined further, a culture of discrimination at Uber was exposed and Uber's CEO eventually resigned.

3) DON'T: Shame the accuser's family

After Ayesha Gulalai came forward with her accusations, people began posting pictures of her sister, squash player Maria Toorpakai, shaming the athlete for wearing shorts.

Even PTI spokesperson Fawad Chaudhry jumped on the bandwagon, making it a point to mention Maria Toorpakai's attire in a TV interview, saying: "Ayesha's own sister, Maria Toorpakai, who I respect a lot, plays squash, she wears knickers and plays squash. What's wrong with it?"

Thankfully, Imran Khan has since stepped in and asked his supporters to stop targeting Ayesha Gulalai's sister Maria Toorpakai.

4) DON'T: Engage in character assassination

This should be pretty simple, but judging by our reactions, it isn't. After Gulalai came forward with her accusations, people began attacking her intentions and making assumptions about the nature of her relationship with Imran Khan.


Rather than doing this, we should take a page out of Mahira Khan's book. She urged people to wait for the truth to come out rather than jumping to wild conclusions.

5) DON'T: Encourage violence

Some people took to social media to say Ayesha Gulalai should be attacked with acid.

As Armeena Khan knows, this is not something to even joke about.


6) DON'T: Frame harassment as an east vs west problem

In her own press conference, Ayesha Gulalai framed her accusations against Imran Khan in troubling terms, saying: "Imran Khan appears to be heavily influenced by the west. Perhaps, he has mistaken Pakistan for England. He wants to introduce a western culture here, elements of which our eastern society, Pakistani society, the Pakhtoon society, the Islamic society will not tolerate... Do you think such a man is qualified to the run the country, under whom the honour of our mothers and sisters is in danger? We don't know what kind of culture he will introduce [when he becomes PM]."

This is problematic because, as evidence tells us, harassment is just as much a problem in Pakistan as it is in the west. Instead of creating false narratives about cultures, we should stick to talking about harassment in terms of what it actually is — a universal issue.

Comments

karmicgal Aug 03, 2017 03:47pm
Given the flamboyant reputation of the one allegedly the perpetrator and given his penchant for marriage at such a mature age these allegations may not be as far fetched as they sound.
Recommend (0)
Haris Aug 03, 2017 03:48pm
Yes violence of any form should be denounced, no question about it. But this case should be used to forcefully settle two things: 1 - If a powerful and charismatic leader is proven to have sent those messages, example must be set and he should not only be disqualified, but barred for holding the office for life. 2 - If a woman accuses someone of sleaze and is proven false, this woman should be sent packing and should not only be disqualified but banned from holding a public office for life. In the case of lewd text, WhatsApp or BlackBerry messages or images, the court must summon the respondents and examine the phones themselves and have them examined by independent experts. This is not a difficult thing to do as forging BlackBerry messages is not easy and can easily be proved or disproved. I am afraid Gulalai's case is similar to other smear campaigns by the N league, much like the shameless campaign they waged against Jemima while she was married to Khan and living in Pakistan.
Recommend (0)
mumtaz shah Aug 03, 2017 03:48pm
Its a learning process for the whole nation.
Recommend (0)
NKhan Aug 03, 2017 03:54pm
Important points but you can see the established Political Parties are now targeting Imran Khan as he is a real threat. Expect more personal and personal scandals against Imran Khan in the next few weeks.
Recommend (0)
SARa Aug 03, 2017 04:02pm
I saw her interview and to me she looked very stressed. I would want this matter to be investigated. I wonder if she is being threatened and pressurized by anyone to give these statements?
Recommend (0)
Saeed Abbasi Aug 03, 2017 04:03pm
Very correctly advised, how to address harassment cases. In this case, let the gender respect be kept in place, individual's concerns should be addressed for evidence, verification and justice. Instead of accusations or counter accusations, let it be handled in court of law for and justice be delivered to the aggrieved party, be it the accused or the one accusing.
Recommend (0)
Athar Sherwani Aug 03, 2017 04:04pm
the matter needs to be probed independently so that character of either party is restored. IK supporters should restrain themselves from their normal behaviour as this is a very serious from gender protection in our society. I am sure that IK would have taken this stance if it was someone else.
Recommend (0)
Marium Aug 03, 2017 04:09pm
Wow. I love how without any investigation whatsoever, PTI trolls decided to become judge and jury. Good job in showing how rabid and hateful your thought process is, PTI.
Recommend (0)
Edwardian Aug 03, 2017 04:11pm
@NKhan Margaret Thatcher's TV Interview to Italian Television (RAI) in March 1986 “I always cheer up immensely if one is particularly wounding because I think well, if they attack one personally, it means they have not a single political argument left. That is why my father always taught me: never worry about anyone who attacks you personally; it means their arguments carry no weight and they know it.”
Recommend (0)
ak Aug 03, 2017 04:14pm
The way people are reacting to this is shameful to say the least. However, we need to go to the core of this reaction, which is, its all a lie. I mean c'mon, all of a sudden IK is a predator. Like no one else saw that before, distancing yourself from a party especially one like PTI (which is always in the line of fire, not that Im a PTI supporter), is quite easy. So, all this, right after the disqualification and her abstinence from sharing the proof after starting starting a media trial is a bit mind boggling. And if it turns out (highly unlikely) that something of such nature did occur, that without a doubt my next tweet will be against IK.
Recommend (0)
aleem Aug 03, 2017 04:15pm
Totally agree. Onus of proof here lies with the accuser and this lady should provide evidence of texts to the authorities. If the accusations are false then she should face exemplary punishment so that nobody dares to make such accusations in the future. If it is established that this has been done on behalf of another political party to discredit IK then that individual or party should face the music.
Recommend (0)
Iqtidar Aug 03, 2017 04:20pm
Irrespective of what is true and what is a lie, the people who incite others to throw acid on anyone MUST be prosecuted. It should be possible to trace such people.
Recommend (0)
MB Aug 03, 2017 04:33pm
Thank you DAWN.
Recommend (0)
Abdul K Hussain Aug 03, 2017 04:37pm
Very well written. But you would have to add one more point, regardless of where in the world you do it, if you accuse someone of harrassment without proof or corroboration, you better expect everything that comes towards you. Man or woman!
Recommend (0)
Alanore Aug 03, 2017 04:39pm
I cant say she is innocent or Imran Khan is guilty. But Imran Khan is a strong pesonality and will never do anything cheap. Its all lies. She is complaining about Islamic and pashton culture but her sister is wearing shorts how Islamic is that. If Imran Khan sent her a text she should make it public. She has been on TV she failed to prove anything.
Recommend (0)
ASL Aug 03, 2017 04:40pm
THANK YOU for addressing this issue, the right way. It is indeed worrisome just how people are reacting to claims of harassment. Much needed, and well-articulated article.
Recommend (0)
salman Aug 03, 2017 04:43pm
@Marium Same way as how without any evidence some people are believing that whatever this lady said must be true.
Recommend (0)
gORSI Aug 03, 2017 04:44pm
It's a very simple open n shut case.....The phone should be examined and guilty should be punished. No need for all of these dramas....In fact if IK is guilty thn an example should be set for the rest. May the Justice prevails....
Recommend (0)
salman Aug 03, 2017 04:54pm
Unfortunately she has made a very bad precedent. Now on real harassment issues, regardless of any political party, people will not digest the accusations until the proofs are very clear. Even if she had those text messages and remain silent over them all these years, she should had shown it to media on the very day, she accused Imran Khan. Now since things have got quite cleared now, she has shamed all those victims who have faced such harassment in their lives by their co-workers.
Recommend (0)
m. rafiq Aug 03, 2017 05:29pm
The allegations leveled by Ayesha Gulalai against Imran Khan are of very serious nature and need to be investigated rather than made controversial. The truth should come out to the people before next election.
Recommend (0)
tariq awan Aug 03, 2017 05:29pm
I was holding the same opinion but listening into all the interviews I tend to change my opinion! Harassment seems to be a passing remark not realizing the gravity of it! She has brought the cause of ending harassment to disrepute. She must prove it or face consequences.
Recommend (0)
Arslan Aug 03, 2017 05:30pm
Agree with all that is said in this article but where is Proof?
Recommend (0)
Iqbal Usman Aug 03, 2017 05:31pm
every one have in mind 4 question ( 1 ) why was she silent till date ( 2 ) why she was asking time for speech in PTI gathering ( 3 ) why was she asking for Ticket for MNA seat if it was decided that she will leave the party ( 4 ) why she did not deny the charge by Mr. Afridi that her father was reported by him to the lady that her father was involve in money issues ?
Recommend (0)
Babar Iqbal Aug 03, 2017 05:31pm
Politics is all about personal gain throughout the world. I don't think it is a case of harassment, at most an affair which got ugly when she couldn't get what she was hoping for. I am all up for women power and freedom but sorry this is not the way to do it. Excellent column though.
Recommend (0)
Rashid Aug 03, 2017 05:49pm
It's simple- the accuser should back up allegations with evidence. The moment evidence is not presented the whole episode gets sleazy. In this instance that's exactly what's happened.
Recommend (0)
Panda Aug 03, 2017 05:53pm
You dont make a political issue of the a personal issue. The public forum that she has should be used to talk about the problems of the common person. People who do not have proof for their statements should not be entertained by the media if their is a discrimination, take it to a discriminatory tribunal where proof should be presented.
Recommend (0)
SATT Aug 03, 2017 05:55pm
@mumtaz shah I hope it should continue on
Recommend (0)
Kashif Aug 03, 2017 06:09pm
Great analyses!
Recommend (0)
Do GOOD Aug 03, 2017 06:11pm
This is an extremely sensitive matter and people must stop character assassination. A plaintiff can bring her/his case forward regardless when the crime occurred. However, she should have protested right after the incident so it shouldn’t have recurred. If pestering recurs after the protest, then it becomes harassment. It is the obligation of the society to find the truth so the victim gets justice. In the meantime, people must stop accusing others until the truth is unfolded.
Recommend (0)
N_Saq Aug 03, 2017 06:22pm
Everyone is innocent unless proven guilty. It is not the job of the suspect to prove himself/herself innocent but instead it is the job of the prosecution to prove him/her guilty by presenting evidence that is beyond reasonable doubt. Follow the law where ever it takes you and make the law supreme...everything will fall into its rightful place.
Recommend (0)
Naveed Iqbal Aug 03, 2017 06:25pm
No one has idea or reality of being false or true on either sides. Claimant must highlight these issues in courts not on social medias. Gulalai must move to court if she has any allegation against party leader or merely step down. If she is being harassed then no need to publicize this matter but to proceed to court for such issue instead will be better option.
Recommend (0)
izharulhaqadeeb Aug 03, 2017 07:09pm
@Edwardian : Very Well Said.
Recommend (0)
ZANE Aug 03, 2017 07:34pm
Investigation must be done on this and whoever is guilty, should be punished , let it be my leader IK or Ayesha.
Recommend (0)
Ammar Ahmed Aug 03, 2017 08:02pm
I don't agree with the author and examples quoted for first 4 points. Last two ones are logical though.
Recommend (0)
Moona Aug 03, 2017 10:42pm
May God keep her safe. I am afraid for her.
Recommend (0)
Ayesha Sadozai Aug 03, 2017 11:17pm
I agree entirely with the basic premise of this article. I think the issue of the harassment of women in the workplace is one of global concern; and we also need to address it seriously in Pakistan. It doesn't matter who or what, any such charges need to be properly looked into and a coherent policy determined to deal with this at all levels.
Recommend (0)
The Khan Aug 04, 2017 02:07am
PTI reputation is sky rocketing after the disqualification of NS, nice try to give it a stop!
Recommend (0)
Libra2 Aug 04, 2017 02:08am
'The facts of Gulalai's case remain murky at present, but this is a harassment case that will play out in the public eye, and thus, it is likely to shape the way future complaints are addressed and also the way people think about harassment and victims who report its occurrence.' At the backdrop of our social culture , agree one hundred percent.
Recommend (0)
ADNAN Aug 04, 2017 02:23am
A very intelligent analysis. Well done!
Recommend (0)
Saeed shah Aug 04, 2017 02:37am
I don't know if it was wrong or right but she has become a role model for tens of thousands of womenfolk who will now make a stand against predatory behavior from rich and powerful men old enough to be their fathers.
Recommend (0)
ravian Aug 04, 2017 03:44am
Only troublesome aspect is timing of accusation, coming right after Supreme Court decision. I listened to two interviews she had on Tv. It appears parties had a different understanding of the affair. Most unfortunate. as for as "lewd massages" it is according to social norms. " I know what pronograhy is when I see it, cannot define,Us Supreme Court justice. In a charged political situation and a politician involved whole context is lost.
Recommend (0)
Faisal Aug 04, 2017 04:06am
I believe her more then Imran khan
Recommend (0)
Akil Akhtar Aug 04, 2017 04:30am
Her allegations are unraveling with the confirmation of her meeting with PMLN leaders and her follow up interviews on different TV channels where it seemed she was making it up as she went along.... We have really fallen to the bottom of the pit....
Recommend (0)
Just saying Aug 04, 2017 04:33am
I'd gladly listen to her allegations all day long but does anyone even know what alleged harassment took place? She keeps saying go see Imran's phone, shouldn't we start with your phone first?
Recommend (0)
mUbbii Aug 04, 2017 04:47am
Given the flamboyant reputation of the one allegedly victim and given her penchant for party tickets at such a young age, these allegations might be far fetched as they sound. Committing a fallacy,to fool people. Lady goto courts and present your case.
Recommend (0)
Saima khan Aug 04, 2017 05:39am
@Moona we are too, She is Bravo , msahallah
Recommend (0)
MOHAMMAD KHAN Aug 04, 2017 05:40am
This is 2017 I don't know any one using blackberry , I don't think Imran is will send inappropriate Messages from his phone he can get the job done without sending any message I.K is not that stupid no one is going to buy this old dated stories
Recommend (0)
wasim Aug 04, 2017 05:58am
How can you say its "harassment"?....very shallow article.
Recommend (0)
Ahmad Aug 04, 2017 06:30am
@karmicgal Anyone can make an allegation. Where is the evidence?
Recommend (0)
monier Aug 04, 2017 06:34am
@SARa Mountain out of a mole. Nothing will happen unless she can go to an authority and release her phone messages
Recommend (0)
Mugheera Aug 04, 2017 07:10am
I think we should wait for the time to see the conclusion and should avoid to pass any comment cause in any case our own country reputation will destroy
Recommend (0)
farooq Aug 04, 2017 07:17am
How easy it is for a woman to accuse man of harrasment and assault .....where as it could be case of blackmailing..... I am PTI supporter.....I want this to be thoroughly investigated.....
Recommend (0)
Saim Aug 04, 2017 07:36am
Disgraceful and disgusting individual who blames someone's integrity without proof. She went to get party ticket from someone who she alleges against. Ask yourself this question if she was given the ticket would she still say what she said. How much more abhorrent could this be. Fodder for the ignorant.
Recommend (0)
Ridiculousness Aug 04, 2017 08:00am
If she told her father everything then no excuse can hold ground. She is not telling the truth. Both Kashif Abbassi and Mubashar Luqman exposed her fake story. Well done both.
Recommend (0)
Shahid Aug 04, 2017 09:53am
Until and if a forensic analysis is done on her phone, the circumstantial evidence before us is that she has lied on a number of counts. She firstly said that PPP had offered her parliament seats in 2007 which is denied by the PPP and is even not possible as she was not eligible being 4 years younger than the required age. Then she firstly held on to her words that she did not ask for the ticket to contest from NA-1, but later he accepted that she has asked Imran Khan for NA-1 ticket. I think, it all is a kind of a revenge for being refused on NA-1 otherwise why wait for 4 years and in those 4 years go on praising Imran as being a greater leader?
Recommend (0)
Karma Aug 04, 2017 09:54am
Every day in Pakistan is like watching Walt Disney
Recommend (0)
Humayun Aug 04, 2017 10:28am
Author point of view is right in general sense. But the way Gulalai presented it is questionable. She not only remained in the party, but took part actively in all activities of party. This is the triggering point. This is shameful. Rather this case can become an example of misuse of harassment. It will have an adverse effect on the subject.
Recommend (0)
Talha KhAN Aug 04, 2017 10:32am
This is common in male dominating society that a female remain silent for lots of reasons before she fed up of the situations . i wish if we take some time and listen the whole story for making an argument to snub such acts of barbarianism in future. Think about all the negative acts done in the society for which parents are to protect their kids at all stages.
Recommend (0)
Ateeq Ahmed Aug 04, 2017 10:40am
Hold on everyone and keep calm. Lets not discuss this from our own vested interests, let the relevant authority investigate and come up with a decision. If the allegation is found genuine punishment must be swift and severe and if the accuser is found guilty punishment must be to the point of setting an example.
Recommend (0)
ZAHID IQBAL Aug 04, 2017 11:10am
Rightly said. Gulalai has to face the harsh criticism for her wrong timing and the fact that she is only blaming since the beginning and not showing whatsoever proof although she confirmed that she will be showing it at the press conference. If it is for the court, then she should have started from there, instead of starting with the blame game on the media channels. What is making her do this?
Recommend (0)
Arshad khan Aug 04, 2017 11:54am
Good article. However, one felt there was no proper closing of the piece or one solid take-away for the reader to take home.
Recommend (0)
Junaid Aug 04, 2017 11:57am
I only agree with the last two arguments in this article. As for the others: 1- She definitely played the woman card and so did a terrible disservice to all the women who suffer real harassment. 2- She did not stay silent out of fear. At all. She was a politician herself, not some powerless woman on the street. And that her outburst came after being denied a ticket harms her credibility. 3- Bringing up Maria Toorkapai's shorts isn't shaming Ayesha Gulalai's family. It's the logical answer to give when Gulalai brings up Western culture. It's distasteful of course but Gulalai started this one. 4- Questioning the facts and circumstances of an attack on someone's character with such a gross accusation is NOT character assassination. The only one assassinating anyone's character is Ayesha Gulalai. She even declined to go to a court of law (which asks for proof) and made her smears in the court of public opinion (which doesn't ask for proof). Dawn Images, please do publish my comment. Plz.
Recommend (0)
JA-Australia Aug 04, 2017 12:10pm
She lost credibility when she came to media instead of court.
Recommend (0)
Arshad Aug 04, 2017 12:21pm
The most saddening episode of this is that women who suffer from harassment of all kinds were on leading seat to silent a woman who may finally emerge a true victim victim and forgetting that at some point of time they would have faced harassment in any shape and many may be facing on daily basis. In a way it proves that (Women are working on their own sub-ordination in this region) as said by a a researcher. I am not mentioning men here because there is no boubt that they have been culprits of harassment.
Recommend (0)
sAAD SAEED Aug 04, 2017 12:23pm
The article is, no doubt, a reasonably good attempt at dissection of the responses, Ayesha Gulalai's allegations have so far elicited. The only thing which makes it dangerously misleading is its 'selectivity'. The picture that emerges after one goes through the article is that of a fragile and oppressed woman who is terribly being blackmailed by her party leader and shamed by social media. The instant case is not that simple. She has been an outspoken MNA who has a reputation of speaking her heart out on issues. Given her Pakhtoon background and the social milieu from where she hails, one has to admit that she could be anything but a coward who kept silent on alleged sexual harassment for as many as 4 years. All the while she had been praising the harasser, attending party meetings chaired by him, sharing public platform with him and, admittedly, requesting him to allot her party ticket from a coveted national assembly constituency. Notwithstanding all this, she needs "support"
Recommend (0)
the wrong right Aug 04, 2017 12:26pm
Nothing is without a context. Period. And if you start judging events without the context in which the occur, you risk landing light years away from facts. There are so many glaring holes in the story and everything around it that, the story itself looks like a rude slapstick comedy. The author raises some valid concerns about some of the reactions to this accusation, but its incorrect to judge something void of its context, in this case a completely political context.
Recommend (0)
krishankant Aug 04, 2017 12:32pm
Ayesha, fight your case with all energy. Truth must prevail.
Recommend (0)
Hassan Aug 04, 2017 12:33pm
Everything that u have said would have make sense and may have carried some weight IF she had provided the proofs, which she said she will before holding a press conference, then she fond contradicting her own self, earlier she said many women from the party received similar msgs then she said no one approached her with such complaint, when no other women accused IK then she should have only spoke about her. then she claimed she distant herself from the party n then it was proved that she went to bani gala couple of days before she accused IK. then she said she never asked for the ticket of NA-1 later she accepted that. just by accusing anyone does not mean she is right. all we r asking her is to prove those allegations. what if she is lying which by far seems to be the case. IK advised his party members not to attack her personally. what else do u expect a leader to act?
Recommend (0)
Shaheen A. Aug 04, 2017 12:56pm
@karmicgal i totally second your opinion. Anything is plausible in case of the alleged perpetrator.
Recommend (0)
Amjad Miandad Aug 04, 2017 01:22pm
I agree keeping in mind the consequences of all this saga. The political grievances almost became disaster for women coping with harassment at any level. I pray it won't turn out miserable for Ayesha Gullalai otherwise it will set a disastrous example for women ever wanted to rise against harassment. Let's hope for the peaceful solution with no harm to any gender, women particularly.
Recommend (0)
Amjad Miandad Aug 04, 2017 01:34pm
@NKhan Excuse me but I'm sorry Imran Khan till now couldn't prove himself different than others, let even not to count Gullalai's case. I think it was Imran's very own "Third Umpire" as he might have upset "third umpire" of his actions and now facing the consequences. We can get better picture if we frame it bit larger, from activities of anti Khattak group of 12 in KPK, disassociation of Sherpao's party from PTI, Akbar Babar's case in court it smells like the "third umpire" don't need IMO anymore.
Recommend (0)
Akram Zahid Niazi Aug 04, 2017 01:42pm
This goes without saying that we altogether must react responsibly to the narratives of such victims but in Gulalai case public's harsh reaction towards her has obvious reasons. Do victims of harassment ever smile while being interviewed? Did she show any message? How did she find Nawaz Shareef to be respectful towards the womenfolk of his party? Why the public to blame for getting furious over her silence for as long as four years and speaking volumes for IK at many events? This is ridiculous and her false scathing allegations have backfired to herself leaving her a laughing stock. This is quite natural if people have grown furious as she has got exposed having no substance in her allegations.
Recommend (0)
Faheem Akhtar Aug 04, 2017 02:33pm
If Gulalai used a public forum to reveal her grievances, she could also have used the same forum to make public the proof. Why is she going from one TV channel to another every night airing her allegations? Yes, only allegations they are till she provides the solid proof. Why is Nawaz Party supporting her if she is not its member? I have my doubts. Lots of such little things give rise apprehensions about such turncoats given her political career. PTI was party number 3. Last of all Police should have been contacted first in this case, not the media which is trying to add fuel to the fire to get a higher rating. So, everybody is to be blamed for this mess. Will any of you be able to clean it up after ?
Recommend (0)
Manal Aug 04, 2017 04:28pm
This is also a perfect example of how not to "proceed" if you are a victim of harassment. She should have approached the law enforcement authorities and taken it to the court instead of appearing on every talk show and refusing to show the alleged messages. This has only damaged her own case when she couldn't come up with answers that those talk show hosts posed to her.
Recommend (0)
BALACHANDRA BALASUBRAMANIAN Aug 04, 2017 04:50pm
GREAT ARTICLE.
Recommend (0)
Patiecepays Aug 04, 2017 09:29pm
@MOHAMMAD KHAN For your information two senior tv journalists have seen some of these messages!
Recommend (0)
Ali KHan Aug 05, 2017 03:19am
IK once again demonstrated he is no ordinary man, who can be provoked and trapped into outrageous reactions, as anticipated by N-League conniving allegations. Although some of his ardent supporters did. Instead his tweet to his party workers reflects his maturity and stature of a true leader.
Recommend (0)
Muneer Aug 05, 2017 08:27am
@Patiecepays If could be shown to two journalists of own choice it could be shown to entire media.Those two journalists are not judges. Piecemeal talk on media is not redressal of wrongdoing it is done with the purpose to defame the opposite party.
Recommend (0)
nabeel ahmed Aug 05, 2017 09:35am
What a shame to read these kind of news, please stop making fun of our nation in front of the whole world, Cannot imagine how far these people can go to target each other just for money or power. If these are fabricated charges against Imran then she should be nailed down badly by supreme court to set an example for others and if she's right then vise versa
Recommend (0)
BILQUEES Aug 05, 2017 02:52pm
Had been reading the Gulai issue very carefully. Some key observations. a. If she was harassed in 2013 as a principle she should have left the party whereas she continued till 2017. b. One day before appearing one news channel she was asking IK for NA seat. c. The timings perfectly match to Sharif dismissal. The premise of her discussion that she is a women and hence she is right. Only women have respect and not the man. It is not a simple matter of harassment there is much more to it.
Recommend (0)
arif ali Aug 05, 2017 04:04pm
If IK and others have indeed been sending Ayesha her inappropriate text messages, what is her reason for not sharing them? She made a very specific claim which she herself can very easily prove. By not doing so, she has given a very strong reason for people to doubt her claims and she herself is responsible for all the resulting hate. She should not have come forward with an allegation if she was not ready to share the evidence she is willingly withholding.
Recommend (0)
Do GOOD Aug 06, 2017 02:54am
@Moona I wish and pray all women are safe in PK where harassment is a norm. She should be treated innocent until proven otherwise; whether or not proven guilty - a protection must be provided so culprits don't take the law into their hands.
Recommend (0)
Aamer Sharif Aug 06, 2017 05:17pm
Harassment should not be tolerated does not matter women or men. My only question to Gulalai is instead of appearing in talk shows why don't you provide evidence and get this sorted once for ever ? I am struggling to understand why have chosen this media path n keep on doing so!
Recommend (0)
SQ Aug 07, 2017 06:46pm
Shows the depths to which we have fallen as a society.
Recommend (0)
Suhas Aug 07, 2017 06:51pm
Point 2 is very valid. It takes time for someone to come to terms with harassment. Could it be a prank / a harmless joke ? It takes time for the victim to connect the dots. We don't spend 4 years at college learning the ins and outs of sexual harassment. Let there be an impartial inquiry and just correctional procedures, which will give the society a sustainable framework to deal with these issues in the future.
Recommend (0)
Lonewolf Aug 08, 2017 06:40am
2 of 2 When was the last time Imran Khan stood up for women's rights or for that matter any issue of civil liberty or social equality. She deserves to be heard. These allegations against some of the most powerful of all in the current set up even if false need to be followed under prevalent due process of this land if there is any. This lady could very well be our sister, our daughter, trying to find her footing in this increasingly intolerant and almost at the verge of unlivable society. This is an allegation by a woman perhaps half of Imran khans age. He should have presented himself unconditionally to the due process of law whatever that may be perhaps under an institution of law of his choosing to Serban example for others and to give the women of Pakistan a sense of security that they have someone on their side to protect them from such harassment in future. There is still time. Stand up for the women of Pakistan Mr. Khan. Stand Up!
Recommend (0)
MajidA Aug 08, 2017 02:37pm
Absolutely agree with this article! Hope it knocks common sense into people.
Recommend (0)