Hina Parvez Butt protests against inflation while clad in Chanel, Manolo Blahnik

The politician's move to don luxury goods at a protest against inflation brushed many the wrong way

Politician Hina Parvez Butt recently attracted backlash after she was pictured at a protest outside parliament against rising inflation clad in luxury fashion goods.  

The PML-N politician took to Twitter to post a picture of herself wearing pearls, Manolo Blahnik heels, and carrying a Chanel quilted bag. Butt held up an earthenware pot, carrot and wooden spoon to protest the rising cost of food, writing, “Outside the Punjab Assembly protesting against rising costs.” 

پنجاب اسمبلی کے باہر مہنگائی کیخلاف احتجاج کرتے ہوئے pic.twitter.com/iMfcDaTQij

— Hina Parvez Butt (@hinaparvezbutt) October 26, 2021

The post brushed many the wrong way, with Butt attracting criticism for her choice to don luxury goods when people don’t have enough money for food. A user pointed out the exact costs of the politician’s accessories, while also pointing out the minimum wage in Pakistan. “$5995 + $995 = $6990, $1 = Rs174.88, $6990 = Rs1222367.25. Minimum monthly wage in Pakistan = Rs25000.  48/49 bandon ki monthly wage kaa apne khali bag aur heels pehni wi hain. Kuch toh khuda kaa khoof krlain yeh tweet krte wae! [Your heels and bag cost as much as the monthly income of 48 to 49 individuals. Have some fear of God before sending out such tweets].”  

$5995 + $995 = $6990
$1 = RS 174.88
$6990 = RS 1222367.25

Min monthly wage in Pakistan = Rs 25000@hinaparvezbutt 48/49 Bandon kii monthly wage kaa apne khali bag aur heels pehni wii hain kuch toh khuda kaa khoof krlain yeh tweet krte wae! pic.twitter.com/HFc1m4e3RI

— Muhammad Taha Alam Khan (@BihaariBaabu) October 26, 2021

 

Subhaan Allah, look at her, all decked up with designer wear. $2000 shoes, $1000+bag, and probably her own outfit that costs on the minimum side $350. And she’s speaking up for poor and poverty🙄

— syma Murtaza (@somizaneb) October 26, 2021

On how the protest feels like a mockery given the inappropriate attire, a user tweeted, “If I'm not mistaken, your gorgeous bag is Chanel Medium Flap, $6,800. Manolo Blahnik, Hangisi pumps I presume, are worth $1,525. I don't know much about pearls. The perfect accessories to protest inflation, only in Pakistan. Leaders in other countries stick to retail in a protest.” 

If I'm not mistaken, your gorgeous bag is Chanel Medium Flap, $6,800. Manolo Blahnik, Hangisi pumps I presume, worth $1,525. I don't know much about pearls.

The perfect accessories to protest inflation, only in Pakistan. Leaders in other countries stick to retail in a protest https://t.co/TQFaZpsDw6

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) October 27, 2021

Another user pointed out how such tone-deaf practices are common amongst the wealthy, citing the example of Maulana Tariq Jamil. “Protesting against inflation in branded clothes? Lol, this is just like MTJ asking people to follow “saadgi [simplicity]” while travelling in Lexus SUV. Please, set your priorities right. Aisay nahi kartay [This isn’t how it’s done].”

Protesting against inflation in branded clothes? Lol, this is just like MTJ asking people to follow “SAADGI” while travelling in Lexus SUV. Please, set your priorities right. Aisay nahi kartay.

— Saad Kaiser (@TheSaadKaiser) October 26, 2021

 "That bag of yours must cost enough to run a middle-class house for two months," tweeted another user. 

That bag of yours must cost enough to run a middle class household for 2 months. pic.twitter.com/1y4C9BXLtJ

— Oshaz (@ThisIsOshaz) October 26, 2021

On how the politician's attire is the ideal fodder for jokes, a critic wrote, "Hina Butt protesting against mehengai [inflation] wearing Chanel and Manolos. The jokes write themselves."

Hina Butt is protesting against mehngai wearing Chanel and Monolos. The jokes write themselves.

— Anaya Khan (@AnayaNKhan) October 26, 2021

Hina Butt's symbolic protest against inflation >>>>>>>>>>>>> All Pak vs India,NS memes

— ʟ ᴍ ɴ ᴏ ᴘ (@iffiViews) October 27, 2021

On the possibility of how Butt may be protesting a different kind of mehengai.

I agree. Chanel really is quite expensive! More power to you! https://t.co/msDLfbMIrd

— Hassan A. Niazi (@Hassan_A_Niazi) October 27, 2021