Gandapur draws ire for ‘sexist’ remarks

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan Ali Amin Khan Gandapur on Saturday drew harsh criticism on social media for passing his “sexist” remarks against PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz that were “unbecoming” of a person of his position as he attributed her “beauty” to “plastic surgeries worth millions of rupees spent from public funds”.
 

Delivering a speech in Shigar area of Gilgit-Baltistan while participating in the PTI’s campaign for the upcoming elections in the region, the minister went too far in his criticism of political opponents and resorted to misogynistic remarks that were reminiscent of the vile political rhetoric of the 90s.

“She [Maryam] is beautiful, I will be honest,” the minister said while addressing a public gathering.

“But listen hear this too… during Nawaz Sharif’s two governments, she spent millions of rupees on surgeries from your tax money to 'fix' herself,” he added. “This beauty is because of your money.”

Gandapur went on to say that if he picked somebody from the crowd and spent a fraction of that amount on them, they would turn into “Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise”.

The minister also passed sexist remarks against PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, telling him to “be a man”.

Expressing his opinion on the minister’s remarks, one Twitter user wrote that he “still couldn't understand why Ali Amin Gandapur was chosen to be the face of PTI for G-B election campaign”.

Another user described the federal minister comments as “disgusting and misogynist”.

Salman Sufi of the SSF wrote that the “misogynistic” comments by the minister “show how targeting ambitious/ progressive women has hit a new low in Pakistan. “I hope PM Imran Khan sb takes notice and assures an apology is tendered by Mr Gandapur,” he added.

Even the minister’s fellow PTI leader, MNA Ali Nawaz, condemned the remarks while talking to a private TV channel.

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah hit back at the minister saying that one could expect such “filthy mindset” from a “rotten system”.

“This selected lot is afraid of an unarmed girl,” he added. “One girl has shaken this entire government.”

He maintained that such personal attacks were proof of the current government’s failure and moral bankruptcy.

PPP leaders also criticised Gandapur for passing sexist remarks against Maryam and Bilawal.

PPP Senator Sherry Rehman said the minister had insulted all women by passing such comments against Maryam. She also pointed out that Gandapur’s presence in the G-B was a violation of the election code of conduct