PPP issues show-cause notice to Gabol for 'insensitive' remarks on rape

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on Tuesday issued a show-cause notice to a former member of the National Assembly (MNA) Nabeel Gabol for making an insensitive comment about rape during a podcast.

According to the party's official Twitter handle, PPP Sindh President Nisar Khuhro asked Gabol to explain his remarks within three days.

According to a spokesperson for the party, organisational disciplinary action would be taken against Gabol if he is unable to offer an explanation.

“Inappropriate conversation and the use of unparliamentary words is not the policy of the PPP”.

Gabol came under fire after a string of misogynistic and disturbing remarks he made on numerous podcasts came to light on social media, causing an uproar.

In one interview, the senior politician is seen talking about sexual abuse. “There is a saying in English: if rape is imminent, just enjoy it,” states the politician in the clip. When the host denies the same, he doubles down on it, claiming that it is, in fact, a saying.

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“If you’re so helpless that you can endure rape, then just enjoy it,” claims Gabol once again. “Otherwise, if you have any shame, you stand your ground and don’t endure it. When we endure it, we get used. How do you get used? I don’t believe in this thing that you have been forced. If you’re being forced, stand your ground - raise your voice. You can stand against it. What’s the worst that can happen? You’ll go to jail?"

Following his comments, PPP chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's sister Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari among others condemned the former MNA's statement.

She maintained that Gabol's "repulsive rhetoric" belongs to him only and was in "no way a representation" of the party.

"In case it wasn’t already abundantly obvious - we absolutely and unequivocally stand for the rights & protection of women. Misogyny has no space in our religion nor our party," she stated.