Hina Rabbani Khar was not my top choice for foreign minister. Others within the Pakistan Peoples Party were more qualified to be the country’s top diplomat. The blogosphere, email groups and Twitter feeds are buzzing with criticism from Pakistanis disappointed with Khar’s appointment as it epitomises the lack of merit, deep-rooted dynastic politics and the restrictive hold of the feudal classes on the political system. Criticism of her lack of expertise and the advantage offered by her family background are fair and deserve to be aired. What is not fair, and downright sexist, is bashing Khar on account of her looks and gender.
I’m not trying to be a wet-blanket feminist who tries to kill the fun in big boys talking politics and using ‘humour’ to add appeal to their writing. I like a good laugh too, but what I don’t like is a woman being singled out and ridiculed for things that her male predecessor was never targeted for, despite them bearing an uncanny resemblance to each other.
The dapper Shah Mahmood Qureshi was no less dashing or handsome as Khar is pretty. Especially when compared to some of his rotund, flame-bearded colleagues in parliament, much like Khar stands out when you compare her to her rotund colleagues. Qureshi was a sharp dresser, like Khar. Yet, while we have obsessed endlessly over the handbag she took to India, we never really paid much attention to the tie Qureshi wore at the joint press conference where prospects for India-Pakistan peace were butchered. I wonder why.
We’ve cried ourselves hoarse over Khar’s feudal background and her family’s influence in politics, but was there similar outrage among Pakistan’s mighty internet crusaders about Qureshi being the Shah Rukne Alam sajjada nashin, arguably the biggest source of his political clout? And there is also the small matter of Qureshi’s father having been the governor of Punjab, but somehow, in his case, familial linkages to the world of power and politics did not matter.
What does set Qureshi and Khar apart is the former’s longer record with the PPP. However, none of his previous experiences or portfolios provided any kind of training or expertise to head the foreign ministry. Yet this was not problematic in his case, as he dressed well and spoke English well. Khar dresses well too and can speak pretty good English. She has a degree in hospitality and tourism management which, some could argue, is better preparation for diplomacy than a law degree or experience with agriculture policy — Qureshi’s qualifications.
Hina Rabbani Khar’s appointment is symptomatic of many flaws in Pakistani society and politics, and are thus worthy of criticism. However, the kind of criticism that she has received is symptomatic of a deeply problematic gender bias in our society. Since her appointment, Khar has had to deal with slurs against her character, speculations about the methods she used to get to the top, snide remarks about her looks and accessories and a complete disregard for her intellect which has helped her manage several important portfolios.
She is not alone in facing such sexist onslaughts. Women in Pakistan who dare to look good and take pride in their femininity while wielding political power, like Sherry Rehman, will have to suffer numerous baseless insults about their character, integrity and competence. Only by turning themselves into an elderly maternal figure do women manage to get themselves taken seriously. Now that’s a pity. I don’t see men scurrying about to become brotherly or fatherly figures to the average Pakistani woman. Why must this be a woman’s lot if she is to be in power in Pakistan?
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2011.
COMMENTS (38)
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@Pasha: You really think a degree in Hospitality and Tourism makes Hina competent to fight Pakistan's case ? She's been in govt for the past 8 yrs (5 yrs with Musharraf and 3yrs with the present govt)...what exactly have been her "achievements"? Please do enlighten us !
There's a huge difference between a tie that costs a couple of hundred dollars and a bag that costs a couple of thousand (many many thousands actually). The fact that she was toting such an expensive bag is a reflection of pure stupidity but I am optimistic she will not repeat such a major faux pas. All of this being said, I agree with the author that it's not fair to judge Hina on her looks and clothes (esp since our last FM was just as dapper, as the author rightly points out and that this was lauded rather than criticized). I want to know what Hina SAID and DID in India, not what she wore... But I'm afraid if that were the focus, we wouldn't be getting such good press (I've seen a couple of her interviews and she did not come across particularly bright). For now, maybe we should celebrate the good press we're getting for a change. It's just that such an important post is given to someone with so little experience is frightening - but then I look at the rest of our gov't and I see she's actually the best of the lot, probably... even MORE frightening...
The writer is absolutely right. We are a frustrated and idle society. We take woman as commodity and not a human being. That is the core issue and mother of all problems. But women themselves are also responsible for this to a great extent. Instead of proving their mettle either they prove themselves as weaker sex or they depend on foul play.
What's wrong with being beautiful and elegant? and being complimented for that? People who get offended are the sexist ones, not the ones who see things as they are.
@Forbidden Fruit: Women are turned into objects, so you say? But, women love objects and read their status by acquisitions. By that definition, men who seek external markers of success, are also failures. And the media eulogises them as achievers. Such men and women both are objects. Hina Khar and Shah Mehmood Qureishi are the same bankrupt elites, just in gendered packets.
A number of comments suggest a right educational background as well as experience in foreign policy issues should be the stepping stone for someone to fill in this position. The face of the foreign minister of Pakistan is also the face the world sees apart from whoever may be at the apex. Most Muslim states have their politics mired in religion, which is already retrogressive for any female aspirant into the world of politics from this region.
Khar comes across as a fresh face with at least a good education even if not completely matched for the job. This in comparison to the overall situation where a significant number of women have none. The last thing that would have been appreciated by the global community needing to interact diplomatically with Pakistan, and international media which manages to reinforce perceptions would have been a traditional bearded male. And there is a preponderence of the same visible on the political horizon and the public face of Pakistan.
As for experience in foreign affairs and the requirement for Pakistan's global diplomatic outreach. The policy issues are still being decided and directed from Rawalpindi. An acceptable female diplomatic face to the international community, as well as someone who can articulate the positions well in the tradition of Qureshi even if they are handed down would be considered absolutely desirable for Pakistan at this point. Specially a Pakistan that is increasingly being viewed by the West with suspicion as unrelenting supporters of the misogynist forces getting ready to reclaim the government in Kabul.
The continuation of baby steps that Quereshi may have initiated with considerable apparent sophistication and Khar will continue to demonstrate, will serve as further evidence of the continued strengthening of civilian control over Pakistan's foreign affairs. In short this is a welcome appointment and cause for celeberation for the cause of womanhood in Pakisrtan. No matter what the designer trappings indicate as discouraging to many.
Oh dear - what a poor analysis - Qureshi's tie and feudal background did not matter because he had the experience and credentials. A huge gap in this piece - what a low standard of debate when even the obvious argument is not taken head on.
What a superficial analysis - really immature. "She has a degree in hospitality and tourism management which, some could argue, is better preparation for diplomacy than a law degree or experience with agriculture policy — Qureshi’s qualifications." What a laugh - a law degree vs hospitality - if you dont know the difference then you are even less qualified to write this piece than you have proved.
@Mohan Ram: how dare you pass a comment like that do u want us to get started on hindu practices of suttee and how widows are treated islam liberates women while its religion like yours that treats them as third class citizens
I am Sorry you are Terribly Wrong.. Khar has been a minister in the Pakistani cabinet since the last three years. But No Pakistani newspaper or TV channel discussed about her looks, her clothings and her way to dress. It only come into the press after her tour to India, when the so-called liberal and democratic society started discussing her attire rather than her level of knowledge and experience. And please dont feel jealous she is competent enough to fight for Pakistan's cause.
"The dapper Shah Mahmood Qureshi was no less dashing or handsome as Khar is pretty", this statement came from you very late, "shah sb will be looking for you". I personally think that women were unable to comment on SMQ, merely due to the reason that they were not capable of defining his outfits. Women want to be praised, but they hardly praise men.
It's the media that makes stars of public figures. The Western as well as the Indian media have a tendency to glamourise women just like Hollywood and Bollywood. One can see that the Pakistani media has largely echoed what was reported by the Indian/Western media about HRK's star effect. Her profile in politics and diplomacy is a different ball game. Up to this point, having a low profile was an asset for her. It will take time for things to crystalise and for everybody, including those who chose her, to know the real Hina.
"She has a degree in hospitality and tourism management which, some could argue, is better preparation for diplomacy than a law degree".
Have you completely lost the plot?
And BTW will someone point out what she would have worn and carried? Its easy to say this should not have been done. Please say what she would have done. At least she can prepare her next trip keeping your suggestion in mind.
Well written !
I agree with Ms Tariq. There's a lot of hypocrisy involved here.
Very well said Sehar! you have hit the nail on the head. HRK is the soft dignified and decent face of Pakistan. We need more people like her to project and portray Pakistan as a country of decent,cultured and educated people who can hold their own against the best of the best in the world.I shudder to think of a time when the religious fanatics are in control of this country and our federal cabinet will be a collection of bearded fanatics spitting fire and brimstone! That is what happened in Afghanistan in the recent past when the one eyed blood thirsty Mulla Omar was in command with his coterie of evil looking fanatics, Taliban supporters in Pakistan such as Iran Khan need to be reminded that only THREE countries in the world had recognized that band of Obscurantist Fanatics at that time.
@Mohan Ram: How very convenient to blame a religion you apparently have no knowledge of Mr. Mohan. It's very easy to pass ignorant comments in a condescending manner. First get your facts straight about Islam before making irresponsible statements. Alot can be said about practices within your religion and atrocities committed agaisnt women in the name of caste and religion in your own country as well. This article is about something else completely....
What difference does that really make, which dress she wears? Which hand bags she carry? All these things do not make any difference in the world of Foreign Relations. The author talked in cliches about sexism, its a reality, get over it. All I am interested in is how effectively she communicates the Pakistan POV to the rest of the world. Her sex, her clothes makes no difference when it comes to playing ball with her counter parts.
Excellent! Very well written.
@Mohan Ram: 5 blinds were offered a visit to the zoo there they came across an elephant their guide informed them accordingly. One blind touched the tail and said elephant is like a rope, the 2nd one touched the leg and said its like a pillar, 3rd touched the trunk and exclaimed its like a huge pipe, 4th touched the stomach and said its like a mountain and 5th one touched the ears and said its like banana leaf! So my dear Islam from outside may appear as it did to the 5 five friends but for a believer ALLAH SWT (God) opens the inner understanding and mostly new Muslim do far better than born Muslims!
Unfortunately dressing up in the most expensive clothes was totally out of place in a county like India. It was a poor decision. She should have been briefed by our ambassador and Foreign Sec.However Hina Khar should be assessed on her merits. Perhaps our VIPs need to learn some lessons from the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who dresses very conservatively when visiting any muslim country such as Saudi Arabia. Miss Khar was appropriately dressed if she were visiting Paris. You don't need to flaunt your expensive accessories while on official visits. This is a problem with even our PM, Interior Minister and the rest. What matters in the world of international relations is to negotiate and represent the country properly, instead of covering up your lapses with expensive watches, sunglasses, diamond jewelry, handbags etc.
A. It was Indian media who gave the hype of what she has been wearing and since it was coming again and again Pakistanis couldn't help but comment. B. By that theory everyone should welcome dynastic politics and welcome Bilawal. If Qureshi came through the wrong system it should be stated as wrong.
What do you expect in a system of dynastic political system backed and monopolised by feudals of no character, education or vision ?
This piece made more sense to me than the rest of the "descriptions" of Khar (I wouldn't call them articles) did. Well this is how it is, women are instantly reduced to mere objects of desire. Men actually believe that if a woman likes to dress well, she does it entirely for their sake.
sir mohan ram will all due respect but i think your comment holds true to a great extent except for where you say: "the bearded ones". i urge you to introspect this statement as isn't it that certain mind set rather than the pre-conceived stereotypical images permanently invading our minds?
I did not know that people were criticizing her looks and dress. That is tackey.
I only took exception to people saying she was competent and did a great job in her previous assignments. I had one occasion to meet her and you know what they say about first impressions. Dull, lacking in charm or charisma and clueless about the pompous-sounding portfolio she held. Her contribution to that delegation which visited Washington was a ZERO. Why, I wondered, is she here?
But then you can ask that question about 95% of any delegation from Pakistan. Most of them are along for the ride at taxpayer expense.
She held the same portfolio in the previous government. I do also have problems with people who do that. You begin to question their integrity.
But, no matter, competence, integrity, honestly, a solid track-record...these are all fanciful things not to be found in abundance in Pakistan.
What a great pity that is.
Ms Sehar, so many similarities but there is one important difference between Ms Khar and her predecessorn that you forgot to mention: Ms Khar is is known for jumping ships as and when was needed to stay in power. Mr Qureshi has a clean sheet in this regard. That in itself speaks volumes about their character.
Is it not the truth. You have stated facts that cannot be disputed. In a way you have to blame the religion you practice where women are third class citizons to be used to procreate, where farm animals could be classified as second line citizens as they are more useful to work, means of transportation etc. Until the mind set of the mulias and the bearded ones change rhere is very little chance women will be allowed to come to the forfront in politics. It is indeed a pity as I am sure there are many talented women forced into the burka world in Islamic countries. The men in these countries do not know what they are loosing. May be they will change in the next world.
wonderful article...I really hope that she is judged on her own merit rather than on any prejudices we may have...
verty articulate, Sehar!