Governor slams SHO's misogynistic remarks

Calls Swabi officer's remarks an abuse of authority, urges action

SWABI:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi has strongly condemned remarks made by the Station House Officer (SHO) of Swabi Police Station, Abdul Ali Gabar, regarding women during an open court (khuli katcheri) session, and has called for action against the officer.

According to information circulating on social media, the governor said no government official has the authority to pass judgments on citizens' character, choices, or personal lives, particularly those of women. "This is not policing; it is an abuse of authority," he stated. "The job of the police is to protect people, not to act as moral guardians."

Governor Kundi emphasized that any officer who humiliates, demeans, or publicly shames citizens is unfit to hold public office. The controversy erupted after a video clip from the open court went viral, in which the SHO allegedly advised that women should not be "left like animals" in marketplaces.

He further suggested that if women needed to shop, they should be accompanied by a male family member.

The officer reportedly went on to say that women should select items from carts, rickshaws, or motorbikes, while men should bring the purchases home, adding that the era was one of "fitna".

The remarks triggered widespread criticism on social media, with many users and rights activists terming them misogynistic and a violation of women's constitutional rights to dignity and freedom of movement.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Swabi Tariqullah said that reports and social media posts concerning women's rights and freedom of movement in the district had been taken up with the Swabi district police. He added that the matter was under discussion to ensure that policing practices remain within the bounds of law and respect for citizens' rights.