Sanaullah refuses to apologise over misogynistic remarks in PA

I will not even utter an ‘S’ of sorry, says Punjab's law minister

LAHORE: Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah on Friday refused to apologise over his misogynist remarks in the provincial assembly leading to a walkout by the opposition

He also termed his sexist remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s women supporters as a “political statement”.

The PML-N leader's remarks during a Punjab Assembly session came after PTI MPA Nausheen Hamid brought up the matter of his demeaning statements towards women. Responding to the call for an apology by the opposition benches, Sanaullah said he had not targeted levelled allegations against anyone.



“In a 20 minute talk with a news channel, people have objected to one word,” said the under-fire PML-N provincial minister and added that he had withdrawn the statement following the criticism.

“Why should I apologise for a statement I have already withdrawn?” he asked.

Highlighting that since the law minister had already withdrawn the comments, Opposition Leader Mehmoodur Rasheed advised him to apologise as it was not a big deal. However, the ruling party lawmakers raised slogans slandering PTI’s top leadership which led to the opposition staging a walk-out in protest.

Continuing his talk on the floor, Sanaullah claimed that PML-N’s female supporters were targeted on social media by the PTI. Defending his misogynistic comments, the law minister added that it was said outside the parliament and withdrawn following constructive criticism. “I will not even utter an ‘S’ of ‘sorry’,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, speaking to media outside the Punjab Assembly, he quipped that when Imran says Nawaz Sharif was brought into power by the military, then he should also reveal who brought him [Imran] into politics.

Dwelling on the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Sanaullah said the nation eyes the anti-graft watchdog with suspicion. He questioned how Zardari had gone from “threatening certain people” to receiving favours.

“People including Owais Muzaffar Tappi have been declared clean,” he reflected. “Pir Mazharul Haq also received the certificate of ‘Sadiq’ and ‘Ameen’ despite allegations while no case was lodged against Faryal Talpur for corruption."

He added it would be unfortunate if NAB failed to make the institution’s role transparent before the upcoming general elections.