Pakistan

Mazari reiterates demand for an apology from Asif

Warns of exposing the matter to world via women’s caucus

Qamar Zaman June 11, 2016

Dr Shireen Mazari. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM

ISLAMABAD: Insulting comments of the key cabinet member about the chief whip of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Dr Shireen Mazari, had infuriated the entire opposition but on Friday Dr Mazari was left to fend for herself as she reiterated her demand for an apology.

Khawaja Asif ridiculed Dr Mazari on Wednesday for her appearance and voice, referring to her as a ‘tractor trolley’. And surprisingly, he stubbornly refused to apologise for his tactless taunt.

Ruckus in NA as defence minister calls Shireen Mazari 'tractor trolley'

However, on Thursday, Asif submitted an unconditional apology for his derogatory comments but the opposition rejected his excuse as he failed to mention Dr Mazari by name.

Third day into the controversy, Dr Mazari asked Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to take up the privilege motion she had moved the other day. She also warned the government she will expose the issue in the entire world through the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC).

Dr Mazari had submitted the motion on Thursday but the Speaker Office has not taken any decision about the matter. “What is the fate of my privilege motion?” she questioned while suggesting that the speaker could go through the footage of proceedings and see that Asif had directly attacked her.

“He [Asif] should have said he did not attack me directly and should have apologised to me,” Dr Mazari said. In response, the speaker said the matter was still pending and she would be informed accordingly.

Asyia Naz Tanoli from the PML-N held Dr Mazari responsible for the insult she was subjected to. “I am responsible for the respect I earn,” Tanoli said and added ‘If a woman indulges in hooting at men, then no one would give her respect.”

Opposition walks out as defence minister refuses to name Mazari in apology over insulting comments

However, Dr Mazari rejected Tanoli’s argument that a woman is responsible for her own respect. “We are going to boycott the WPC and inform all countries about negative role of the government lawmakers,” she added.

Though there was no sloganeering from the opposition side, State Minister for Water and Power Abid Sher Ali interrupted Dr Mazari and said Khawaja Asif did not mention her name.

Later on, while addressing the house on budget, Dr Amjad Afridi from the PTI asked the speaker that he should have played an impartial role and asked Khawaja Asif to apologise to Dr Mazari.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2016.

COMMENTS (12)

Afzal | 8 years ago | Reply The question is why Great Britain is letting such people in the country it's a doomed policy

JAVAID BASHIR | 8 years ago | Reply The day Kh. Asif insulted Shireen Mazari the lady member in the national Assembly will go down as the darkest day in the Assembly history. He not only used abusive language but made her the butt of joke. The T.V Channels depicted the scene and aired it millions of time. Further more the Speaker blamed the opposition for the ugly situation. He added fir to the fuel by his partiality. These members must grow up and behave like civilized adults. There is no shame in tendering apology to the lady member by name as te sarcastic remark was meant to insult her. I hope the matter is resolved amicably in the house instead of taking it to the Women Caucus. Both the parties should show some magnanimity.. Javaid Bashir Attorney at l

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qaiser ahmed | 8 years ago | Reply Khawaja Asif, is rude , arrogant and boisterous against fellow parliamentarians.But, when it comes to speak as the defence minister, he is voiceless against his masters who fly their drones into our sovereignty, to kill people . Judge for yourself the character of such a man.

lkhan | 8 years ago | Reply @Sceptic: What ever went on between Ms Mazari and her party members in absolutely no way justify the ongoings of parliament members in a House that represents Pakistan. Decorum should not be stepped on, gangsterism not allowed under any circumstance. Simply said.

a&a | 8 years ago | Reply Buck up Girls!!!

abood | 8 years ago | Reply What about abuses done by imran khan.any word of justice on that mazari.or you will be blind on thay issue.

Sceptic | 8 years ago | Reply Shireen Mazari started it by hooting on the minister when had the floor. She should have courage to face the retailiatory remarks. She is unnecessarily trying to play the gender card. Shireen Mazari and her daughter were subjected to much worse abuse by her PTI fellows when she quit the party in 2012. She returned to the party next year without requiring any apology from PTI.

lkhan | 8 years ago | Reply Ms. Mazari not only deserves an apology, but all those who wore smirks when these offensive words were uttered, including the speaker himself should bury themselves six feet under. Such uncivilised uncouth people each one of them.

lkhan | 8 years ago | Reply Shameful man this KA and the Speaker too. Even more shameful that another woman speaks up for them, defending what should be in no uncertain terms, be denounced as bigotry, uncivilised, uncouth, rude and worse. Such is the calibre of NS's cabinet. Shame on them all.

Parvez | 8 years ago | Reply It takes a man of quality and a certain stature to apologies ......... Dr.Mazari expecting Khawaja Asif to alologise has misjudged him.

Abuse | 8 years ago | Reply PTI abused Shireen Mazari to cause disruption in the National Assembly. Using a women as a shield for disruption is condemnable. Shame.

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