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Did Bilawal respond to PM Imran Khan's 'sahiba' comment with more sexism?
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Did Bilawal respond to PM Imran Khan's 'sahiba' comment with more sexism?

In a recent press interaction, Bilawal appears to be stooping to the same low standards to get back at the PM
Images Staff
25 Apr, 2019

After Prime Minister Imran Khan appeared to mock PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto by referring to him as 'sahiba' (or madam) earlier this week, Bilawal Bhutto initially responded with a witty comeback.

The PM has drew a lot of flak for equating femaleness with weakness, with PPP's Nafisa Shah slamming his statement as an affront to all women of Pakistan in the National Assembly today.

But does Bilawal need the same lesson in sexism 101 too?

In a media interaction today, Bilawal responded to PM's jibe once again, saying: "Agar Khan sahab samajhti hai ke iss kisam ka comment deke wo kisi ko insult karaha hai tou sirf apne aap ka insult karaha hai", using the feminine variation of 'samajhta' to throw a similar kind of shade at the PM.

Was that really necessary for Bilawal to make his point? In a statement that emphasises that IK's choice of words was unbecoming of a prime minister, Bilawal appears to be stooping to the same low standards to get back at him.

It's possible that Bilawal's use of words may be his way of turning on its head the PTI rebuttal that 'sahiba' should be interpreted as a compliment. Perhaps he thinks if he's expected to accept 'sahiba' as a compliment (rather than a sexist jibe), then IK can too.

Either way, the more appropriate thing for Bilawal to do was to explicitly call Khan out on his misogyny. Here's hoping that the PM doesn't present another opportunity for that to happen.

Comments

concerned Apr 25, 2019 05:48pm
good question. where are the defenders of women now?
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Gordon D. Walker Apr 25, 2019 05:52pm
Children playing in the sandbox... Gordon D. Walker Canada
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Jamal Apr 25, 2019 05:55pm
The PM has drew or has drawn? Please clarify. Has gets past participle not simple past! Please clarify
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SMi Apr 25, 2019 05:57pm
Don't waste our time and money can anyone calculate how much this nonsense cost the Nation
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Malik Imran Apr 25, 2019 06:02pm
He is still a kid. Grow up Bilawal
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Laila Apr 25, 2019 06:02pm
Boys in a playground. Grow up.
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Umair Apr 25, 2019 06:07pm
Really you are criticizing Bilawal that he is saying samjhti instead of samjhta? Half of time when we hear Bilawal speaking urdu it is difficult to understand what gender pronoun he is using
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optimist Apr 25, 2019 06:10pm
Its the ruling party responsibility to legislate. So far no productive work is done in National assembly. Opposition makes their speech and when the ruling party replies they stage a walk-out. PTI should quilt listen to opposition criticism and not respond. When their turn come they should put forward legislation which needs opposition cooperation. I know opposition is not interested in the welfare of the country but PTI can still give it a try for three months and then go to plan 'B".
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Irfan Ali Apr 25, 2019 06:14pm
That's how his Urdu is. No need to jump and conclude, analyse his previous speeches.
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Jk Apr 25, 2019 06:20pm
Please grow up and try to be civilized.
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fairplay Apr 25, 2019 06:25pm
He confirmed his foolishness, by his senseless response.
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Junaid Ali Apr 25, 2019 06:26pm
This is lame from bilawal seems like PM Imran khan comment rattled him completely
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Adnan Zaheer Apr 25, 2019 06:43pm
"speed ki light" now you are making fun of your own self, Mr Oxford graduate
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N abidai Apr 25, 2019 06:45pm
Bilwal , he actually went to Oxford, paid by fake accounts,,does he understand this ! Next his father. Mr 20 % , came in power through the back door! How did his mom got power, NRO! No ,never again ,Pakistan is not a football that should be kicked around by PMLN,and PPP! Go back to school Bilwal !
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N_Saq Apr 25, 2019 06:48pm
Politicians should refrain from insulting each other personally instead it should be all about policies and issues. This Trumpian politics should end immediately. IK and Bilawal should apologies to each other and end it right here i.e. nip it in the bud, before things get out of control.
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Uzair Apr 25, 2019 06:57pm
Are these affairs of the nation or a soap opera? I'd have considered hopping on to some more serious news source, but sadly that isn't possible.
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MONIER Apr 25, 2019 07:07pm
Cheap shot
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majid Apr 25, 2019 07:22pm
I think it wasn't deliberate from Bilawal. He has this pronunciation problem on regular basis.
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HashBrown® Apr 25, 2019 07:28pm
A lot of people are missing the point. This kind of childish, vulgar insult is a classic symptom of purana Pakistan, so it shouldn't be a shock if Bilawal, or his father, or the other royal family of the Sharifs use this language, because they have spent 30 years bringing Pakistan politics down to this kind of behaviour. But IK promised us something different. The fact that he has resorted to this slur is just another small sign that the arrival of PTI isn't a huge change from what we've been forced to endure from the other two national parties for so long.
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Dr. Asif Kidwai Apr 25, 2019 07:30pm
That tells you the maturity and mindset of our Leaders, it is quite concerning if they are our leaders. Even though we all know very well about Bilawal is a homee who has not come out of the closet yet.
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Arain Apr 25, 2019 07:49pm
Did he just said in his speech 'speed ki light'? In urdu it is suppose to be 'light ki speed' not the other way around. Is there no one to tell Bilawal to learn urdu first before saying anything to others?
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Shams Apr 25, 2019 07:52pm
I am pretty sure, that's an English to Urdu issue. Poor guy can't speak proper Urdu.
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sss Apr 25, 2019 07:54pm
can you imagine these kids are going to make laws for 220 million people of Pakistan in the parliament, no wonder this form of governance has failed miserably
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AXH Apr 25, 2019 07:54pm
"..Bilawal appears to be stooping to the same low standards to get back at him..." He already stooped to the lowest level when he did not question how his father was able to amass the wealth he possess today. Media also has a habit of making a mountain out of a molehill. How come no one in the media compared IK's comment to what Rana Sanaullah had said about Bilawal or none of those who are claiming to be the champions of feminism raised their voices? or what about what Bilawal had said about IK in the parliament where he had addressed him as "thee" a day before IK returned the favor with "sahiba"? Did people like Miss Nafeesa Shah object to that?
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ahmed Apr 25, 2019 08:08pm
FIRST, PMIK should apologize to BB and show maturity. Equally, BB must learn and earn the respect of people. Getting back in the same way shows lack of maturity of a politician. Unite and work for PK and get it back to its rightful place.
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LEO 53 Apr 25, 2019 08:11pm
Pakistani leadership has turned itself to a laughing stock. I am ashamed and disappointed to see and hear them.
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Citizene Apr 25, 2019 08:16pm
Bad mannered people.
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Chacha Apr 25, 2019 08:33pm
Not good, very low but Bilawal has an issue with Urdu grammar , he is not good in Urdu, in any case this is very low from both the government and opposition, there are much bigger fish to fry like economy and law law and order
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Caisra Apr 25, 2019 08:33pm
Standard of politicians speeches has degenerated to this. Men never grow up.
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Hasan Apr 25, 2019 08:53pm
Childsplay
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A Subhan Apr 25, 2019 09:04pm
All things aside... I don't know if all heard it like : "Speed ki light"? or "Light ki speed"?
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usman Apr 25, 2019 09:07pm
gutter politics from both "political leaders"!
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Ahsan Gul Apr 25, 2019 09:14pm
Seems like IK unintentionally told the truth. While in England some Pakistanis have seen Bilawal-Zardari’s unusual behavior. But you all have to move forward and work for the country now!
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azmat Shah Apr 25, 2019 09:19pm
Spend your time and space on real issues for heavens sake
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AB Apr 25, 2019 09:20pm
We live in a time of gender neutrality. Both are trying to work towards using the same he's and she's so a step in the right direction (NOT). On a more serious point, we live in the age of trump and such media catching stunts have become the unacceptable norm.
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Abdullah Apr 25, 2019 09:35pm
Come on gentlemen grow up!
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peace Apr 25, 2019 09:35pm
Its a beautiful thing... Two people, neither of whom could be called an Urdu scholar, are making fun of each other's Urdu..
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AZAM AKBAR Apr 25, 2019 09:37pm
Mr. Bilawal Zardari, Stay at home or leave for Dubai and London. Oh! Wait, you are one of the directors of Zardari-Group which is involved in the crimes of money-launderings and you will be standing before the court. You can't fulfill your dream to become the prime minister of Pakistan. This is written on the wall and everyone can read it easily.
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AZAM AKBAR Apr 25, 2019 09:39pm
@fairplay Mr. fairplay, Without any doubt.
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NPS Apr 25, 2019 09:44pm
Imran Khan was good cricketer, but for a good politician it is not enough.
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NPS Apr 25, 2019 09:45pm
A kindergarden!
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enam Apr 25, 2019 10:05pm
Good; IK push the ball and everybody dancing with ball.
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mian Apr 25, 2019 10:07pm
Perfect response.. IK should know that he cannot get away with anything as he wish. People will give befitting replies.
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salman Apr 25, 2019 10:27pm
@Umair go and check the video again. He paused after uttering those words. Clearly it was a deliberate act.
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N abidai Apr 25, 2019 10:29pm
Can not believe naz baloch picked ppp because she did get a seat, talk about being on the wrong side of history !
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Concerned Apr 25, 2019 10:39pm
Ik is more then two times the age of Bilawal proves that Ik has stooped low and is hiding behind slip of tongue. If it was that why didn’t he correct himself immediately during the speech. Stop patronizing ik every time he stoops low Ik has a characteristic of bullying and slandering Bilawal has no such history of disrespecting others
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Hoho Apr 25, 2019 10:44pm
I just feel that’s how he speaks. His Urdu is weak.
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ahsan nasir Apr 25, 2019 10:46pm
i dont think it was the same malicious intent and probably a language barrier
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Arshad Arshad Apr 25, 2019 11:18pm
Bilawal Betay.....read the people’s comments following your unwanted rants , and you will get an idea of your worth. Please check , it seems that your phone number is rigged electronically to censor and delete incoming comments thru a silent time delay, before you get a notification. And possibly your cronies are deliberately injecting great comments to keep you misguided. I hope my advice reaches you. But I have doubts. Anything is possible electronically Bilawal.
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Nadia Apr 25, 2019 11:37pm
How sad that leaders of our nation are arguing over name calling while common man is either dying from hunger or suffering due to lack of laws! How ironic that these people tout to be our leaders yet have no interest in talking about our problems or in the least coming up with a plan to solve them!
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Ali Hassan Apr 25, 2019 11:46pm
In Bilawal's defense he was taught to speak Urdu by his mother, who was never very good at getting the gender of verbs rights.
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Lahori kid Apr 25, 2019 11:59pm
@Umair No one is that naive brother, I was raised in the United States without any family, I'm 55 years old, even I know the difference.
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Lahori kid Apr 26, 2019 12:00am
After reading this article, now sit back, look at the history, and decide for yourself who is who
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Shahid Fakhruddin Apr 26, 2019 12:35am
Bilawal is trying to cover his/party failure on many front. 1.Cheating in exams in Sindh under the patronage of public institutions.It will ruin our future generation.Why this Oxford educated guy has time to lecture on PM remarks but ignoring the real issue. 2.Unjust treatment of Urban area of Sindh which is contributing of over 90% of Sindh revenue. 3.Bilawal's family expenses supported by Benaami accounts. 4.The universe controlled by Anwar Majeed in Sindh. 5.many others areas where PPP is defiance of Constitution.
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david Apr 26, 2019 01:00am
Does PPP has anyone else who can lead instead of this kingship inheritance.
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Usman Khan Apr 26, 2019 01:34am
Unfortunately this is the level of our so-called leaders. He is saying that IK was selected but did he ever think about how he and his father hijacked PPP. Does he qualify to lead a party?
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Sajid Apr 26, 2019 02:31am
Bilalwal, please go for some Urdu classes. Your Urdu is a disgrace to entire Pakistan. While you are at it get a haircut as well so that you don't look so childish. Your entire wardrobe also needs a change. You don't have the qualities to be a PM.
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Disparate Apr 26, 2019 03:17am
In case you are not aware that's what a pushto language speaker would usually say.
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Tunda Thakur Apr 26, 2019 03:51am
Would like to know where the moral brigade stand on this statement
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AZAM AKBAR Apr 26, 2019 04:49am
@Arain Mr. Arain, That's not his fault. The script-writer writes for Mr. Bilawal Zardari. This poor guy can't give any speech without script and this is known to the people.
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Daskalos Apr 26, 2019 04:58am
@HashBrown® your comment makes a lot of sense.
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m Apr 26, 2019 05:09am
did anyone care to think that maybe IK had a slip of the tongue and the way he was speaking he didn't have any smirk or smile to suggest he was doing it on purpose. the extra media attention on non issue is the reason why Pakistan is falling behind !
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zain Apr 26, 2019 05:27am
Selected Prime Minister delivers the un selected stuff..... PM should have learnt more before sitting on the golden throne..
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Faraz Apr 26, 2019 05:57am
PM Khan needs to put a Euro 6 catalytic converters over his mouth, looks like he’s still running on pre election Euro 2.
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Tipu Apr 26, 2019 06:04am
Height of intellectualism by our politicians and then by journalism wasting time of nation. We need performance not the word fights by our politicians.
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Javed Abid Apr 26, 2019 06:20am
Bilawal is behaving like a spoiled little bret. What is his problem??
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Kamil Apr 26, 2019 06:28am
Bilawal gets half of his verbs wrong in Urdu. It was definitely unintentional.
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Zia Ur Rehman Apr 26, 2019 07:00am
Prime minister won't be troubled by this statement as apparently he doesnt have insecurities like bilawal Zardari
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Dr. Doctor Apr 26, 2019 08:12am
Bilawal had every right to respond in any way he wanted. Had he shown maturity it might've appeared good for a while but then Khan would've stooped down to the same level that started this to begin with. Please note that why do people always pardon IK for every wrong doing, every sin, every shenanigan while others are expected to behave?
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On The Border Apr 26, 2019 08:42am
He is like Rahul Gandhi in India, Good for nothing
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On The Border Apr 26, 2019 08:43am
Comes to Pak for 2-3 months on Holiday, rest remains in UK or US
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Ussi Apr 26, 2019 09:12am
I am a supporter of PTI but blunder after blunder and now this new low by IK himself makes me rethink if there's any more chances of light at the end of the tunnel for Pakistan anymore!
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MUNAWAR Apr 26, 2019 09:31am
when one runs short of logical arguments, he/she resorts to unbecoming and insulting remarks.
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Ghansham Malhi Apr 26, 2019 09:32am
This was not intentional, it is the fault of his broken Urdu. If you recall his address in NA he used same word. Go and watch his complete address. Hats off to writer. Here I would like to clarify that I am not PPP supporter but senses should prevail.
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Ali Khan Apr 26, 2019 10:08am
That's how his Urdu is. No need to jump and conclude, analyse his previous speeches.
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Jawaid Islam Apr 26, 2019 11:09am
Is this the new low of politics in Pakistan...Oxford graduates, lol! IK should have known better, Strange AAZ did not jump in to defend his son's honor.
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Agni Apr 26, 2019 11:43am
The whole discourse shows Pakistani society in poor light
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Vijay B Apr 26, 2019 02:35pm
I would take Ex Foreign Miniser Hina Rabbani Khar sahiba over present Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi anytime anywhere. Yes, she was a definitely a better Foreign Minister.
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Vijay B Apr 26, 2019 02:45pm
We have seen a sampling of Bilawal's Urdu many a time, wondering how good or bad is his Sindhi?
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Zak Apr 27, 2019 09:35am
Bilawal is ending his career before it even started.
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