“We all respect and admire the spirit of empathy in Fatima’s writings for the people of Pakistan but she is still ill-informed about realities prevailing in the country as she has not yet spent enough time here,” Mazari said on Monday.
Bhutto family scion Fatima, speaking at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Sunday, had said that she will never join the PTI and that Imran had ‘coziness with dictatorship’.
Mazari said that the little time that Fatima had spent in Pakistan was highly supervised with limited exposure, which is understandable given the tragedies she has had to face during her formative years.
“Having come to know [Fatima’s father] Murtaza Bhutto and admire him for his commitment to rescue his legacy from the destruction being wrought upon it by President Zardari, it is difficult to critique his young and talented daughter,” Mazari said, but qualified it by saying that Fatima needed to correct her factual inaccuracies.
Defending Imran, Mazari said that he had never ‘cosied up’ to dictators. “During Zia’s black days, Imran was still playing cricket and he has publicly apologised for supporting Musharraf’s referendum,” she said. Imran’s apology earned him the wrath of Musharraf and he was thrown into the jail considered among the worst prisons in the country, she said.
Mazari said that the reference that Fatima made to the bill supporting rape victims was also placed out of context. “The opposition at the time was combined against the excesses of the then PPP government and it was not a question of Imran opposing any measure aimed at supporting women,” she claimed.
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One does not simply walk into Pakistan Politics
@Naveen:
Fatima is from a distinguished family so she has a better idea. And Imran Khan is from?
I am hoping that you are being sarcastic. One never knows.
I respect your answer, I might not agree with IK but the way you handle criticism is admirable @Tehreek-e-Insaf FATA:
I respect Fatima Bhutto as an intellectual and her views are usually against the status quo. Although she has intellect, charisma .. but she seems devoid of energy of a true politician. Time to time seems disconnected from the pakistani affairs. Her comment on Imran Khan does not make any sense. While Imran khan has been one of the most strong critic of Musharraf. She is so out of touch...
@ Uza Syed
A man with a pebble in his shoes cannot look at the stars. Remove the pebble and you might be able to look up.
@wasim: "Lets not discredit honest people on the basis of baseless accusations" ------ strong textHonest people?! Who, where?!
@Z: Do you mean to say that neoconservative people kill people indiscriminately?
Criticism Queen! Fatima BhuTTo!
I wonder what these Fatima Bhutto types want. What do they really want? After what they've done to the country can't they leave us alone now? They seem to have all the money and fame and glory in the world so why can't they just leave us alone.
Rightly or wrongly, there is a perception that Pakistani 'Liberals' like Fatima Bhutto, are anti-Islam & are consciously or unconsciously influenced by western thinking like Liberalism. Until this perception changes, they will be regarded by ordinary Pakistanis with deep revulsion & mistrust. Imran Khan is in some issues 'liberal' & in other issues he is 'conservative'. It just depends on the issue. He is not an ideologue like some stupid 'Pakistani 'Liberals'
All those calling Imran Khan a dictator, including Fatima Bhutto, have forgotten that Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had declared Martial Law in Pakistan when he was leading Pakistan. So please keep double standards away.
I am disappointed in her, really expected something of substance from her, but she seemed to have picked up a few punch lines against IK which make daily parade in every article of daily Dawn written by "unknown Pakistani writers" living in America. She is mimicking the career path of her famous Aunt, spending more time in west, connecting with their elite and public and having no connection with the people back home .She is following the Bhutto clan's model to become a leader. She has pledged that she won't take part in Pakistani politics, perhaps she doesn't want the Bhutto clan baggage to hinder the development of her political career at an early stage. But I am sure when the opportune time will arrive she will take the short cut and without doing any social service or political struggle she will jump in politics and will automatically be catapulted to a position where it took IK 20 years to reach. No wonder she couldn't appreciate IK's 20 years of honest social service and an un tainted political struggle which hardly has any precedence in Pakistan.
Ms.Fatima Bhutto besides her writings has made some really good & inspirational speeches recently,specially the one she made in Australia. I'm glad she atlast told her reservations abt IK & I'm even glad to see that otherwise agressive Dr.Shireen has responded gently & logically to Ms.Fatima's allegations.I hope they get into talk for good of Pakistan. Long live Ms.Fatima,long live IK & long live Pakistan!
but Dr. Shireen mazari didnt respond on Fatima bhutto's concern about the group of terrorist organizations created by zia ul haq. mouvi samee ul haq, who alleged the main person to create mujaheddin is using PTI's platform.
I've always liked Fatima Bhutto for her stern personality, I am also not a die-hard Imran Khan's fan.I like his visions about few things and have qualms about his PTI in a few things too. To me even if he has been Cosy with Dictatorship then I would say if Democracy is like what Pakistan faces now, then Dictatorship is a much safer boat to sail in. Besides if he's so conservative why would he stand up against a War which is not even ours? It's just about giving a chance. Set your stakes high on IK or maybe play an All-in Gamble, the consequences might be worth the risk of being at the verge of losing everything for 5 friggin' more years.
If she loves the nation then y not live in pakistan. Who made the ppp? The people of pakistan! And she is enjoying her life of luxury... While poor r dying n suffering.
Ayesha yes so called "liberals" are scums in Pakistan, for they were all vocal of dropping bombs in tribal area for revenge on WTC casualties, no matter how many children, women, elders and homes were being destroyed. where was "human rights" then? our "liberals" think its more modern following how the West looks at the world. being leftist is not equal to being liberal so no contradiction. because even in "liberal" countries, freedom of expressing your religion is banned - for me this is not "liberal" but in fact being conservatives.
It is amazing. A young lady speaking in distant Jaipur has rattled mighty Khan's party. Hats off to Fatima.
@Ayesha Khan: Dear, IK atleast has 2 tangible achievements (hospital and College), can you please atleast 2 achievements of her own which she have achieved on her own? if you are able to list 2, than it will be a comparable argument :)
@pirah: Why do you have to label everyone. I am conservative in many matters on the other hand progressive in others. Isn't that how human opinion works?
@Kashif Iqbal: Dude, get your facts straight. No one hates Fatima in PTI. Her criticism was ill-informed and Mizari gave a very polite answer.. but oh well, anything to bash Imran.
Only an Educated lady like Dr. Shirin can give such a restected response. I really appreciate as i have never seen such a response from any person in Pakistan especially on the kind of Bhutto allegations
Mazari is so wrong to say that Fatima Bhutto has not spent much time in pakistan..... On the contrary she has spent two decades in this country, although not her supporter but she would not be playing with her political philosophy like IK does. One day he is rightist next morning he is bit of leftist ..... tommorow he would say i m neither of these two!!! How a person who isn't clear about his own views will guide other people.
Fatima Bhutto should join the pak politics, why is she away from the people of Pakistan, she has blood of great leers, she should serve the nation. We again request her to join the tsunami of PTI
How exactly is this a "sharp response" Express Tribune? You can't get more subtle and nice than this.
Is that a "Paki dot" I see???
I don't know why people are making case for tested parties. It is beyond me. I am fifty five years old and I have lived these parties for life. We have suffered due to their non-performance. We voted Bhutto but he was a big disappointment due to his feudal style and autocratic approach to opposition, though he was selling his agenda to the commoners. Nawaz and BB were big disappointments simply for more involvement in embezzlement and less on public issues. They didn't performed well to make a case for a strong democracy and then army took advantage with sweets on the streets. Going for the status quo parties is tantamount to suicide and at least I am not for it.
Mrs mizari should get her facts right, Musharaf was ruler at the time of women protection bill, PPP did support this bill, but IK despite in parliament did not support it, the reason is simple that he shates a lot of Zia legacy & like him he also thinks that liberals are scum!
Shireen mazari is the product of Hamid Gul mafia , all her opinions stem for the love of dictatarship of the establishment . Infact she was the first sleeper cell or you may say the mentor of Imran Khan. Fatima is of a good opinion , look who have now gathered round Imran Khan all the leftovers of Musharaf, or Qureshi who the PPP called the the GHQ man
I am getting old but still hope my memory has not abandoned me as yet. Not so many moons ago, IK used to wow that if he gets elected, he will fix everything in 30 days. The 30 day period was extended to 90 days (a promised made very much in the spirit of his Pir, The Smiling Ameerul Momineen) yes that's what Zia promised, 90 days.
Now, the period for performing miracles has been updated to 100 days. Waada e Farda?
This is interesting, if she had joined PTI then it would have been a celebration but now she doesn't even know Pakistan!! PTI needs to accept criticism and shun hypocrisy.
I am not sure I ever read a tweet or statement from Miss F Bhutto that is positive and appreciative.
What is with the bindi on her forehead?
@ali: I second that!
Well Said!.... this is how educated ppl talk!!
happy with the response.................good job mazari
The text of this news is completely different from the headline, I can't see any sharp criticism on part of PTI or Shirin Mazari, it is a humble disagreement rather Dr. Mazari has even praised Miss Bhutto's intellect! I guess ET uses some masala when it comes to news headlines...
@Ayesha
"Charity begins at home, how about first he gives justice to his daughter & her mother!!!"
You seem to make a judgement on his (IK) personal life that has been discussed and was not proved. No-one is a clean of any sins that would include you and I.
It's fair to offer someone a second chance but here you are and will not allow someone a first chance. The PP and ML-N had their fair number of chances and still the people of Pakistan are suffering.
Imran is a man, for years, has appeared on talk shows and debated with many regardless the position of the opposite, and his output can be measured visually despite not being in government.
If (I would rather say When) PTI do form a government and after their tenure they have not achieved anything better than PP or ML-N, then I would consider changing my views on IK.
It's beyond any logic to vote PP / ML-N as they have failed the same test on multiple terms.
A graceful rebuttal by Shireen Mazari
What has Women Protection Bill got to do with PPP? Poor argument
Difference of opinion should be honored and replied in tolerable way. Good point and good reponse
I fail to understand PTI supporters' mentality. They portray Imran as a sacred cow, if anyone says a word against him, they all get offended as if he is flawless. Imran for once is a human being like all of us and he made mistakes like all of us at some point in our lives.
So, is he is savior? The answer would be 'yes' he perhaps can be, but is PTI a savior, the answer would be 'no' they are mostly Q league lotas and PML-N and PPP disgruntled leaders. They may be clean but they come from the same background that has brought the country to its knees.
Yeah I get the point alright. He is out to fix the country, with the same people on his team who are responsible for bringing it to this point. He will give justice to everyone etc etc tall claims. Charity begins at home, how about first he gives justice to his daughter & her mother!!! Yes Ms Bhutto comes from a priviliged class. What about Imran Khan himself. He has a poor background? I don't think that the poor of this country can go to Aitchison & Oxford. Also, I find it funny that the response has been just to Ms Bhutto's comments. Even the media highlighted just her comments. Ayesha Jalal pretty much said the same thing, no one dared respond to her.
Democracies suffer when people use emotional arguments and related fallacies. Imran khan is no doubt using many and fooling the milquetoast public again.Besties again Pak
One does not require to be resident in a country to understand its problems. Fatima is from a distinguished family of Pakistan and she will have a better view of the internals of the country in much more detail than Imran and his band of merry men can imagine, who have no idea of problems and no vision. What concrete details has PTI/IK ever give as to how they will face the nations challenges other than their much hallowed 100 day programme (which is also bluff).
@amjad:
Really?
she is criticizing Amran khan for supporting Musharaf's referendum which he described to be a big mistake of his political life, but what about her Grandfather Z.A. Bhutto who remained foreign minister in Ayub khan's cabinet for so many years and used to call him Dad.. ??
Fatima Bhutto is more genius than IK and Dr.Mazari. Imran Khan has a tendency to be a dictator,his party men openly criticize very indecent and vulgar style, most of country's senior journalists for their opposite stance.
Its really inconsequential what Ms Bhutto thinks though its a pity she chose to do so abroad to a crowd who may not know any better.
if only people today would understand whom are regarded as the "liberals" of today, they would understand that IK was and is right in calling them the scum. i practically call them the immature liberals.
with regards to Mazari, it was a wise response.
But credit should be given to Fatima Bhutto to be a confident woman after all that she has been through..
Fatima B is a plenitude of negativity and frustration. Since she is under limelight never uttered a word which is not a criticism or not having sarcastic meaning !
So this is the official PRI explaination for opposing women rights: "“The opposition at the time was combined against the excesses of the then PPP government and it was not a question of Imran opposing any measure aimed at supporting women,”?
They are admitting to opposing the bill just because it was presented by PPP? Didn't matter whether the bill itself was good or not? Did Imran agree with the bill in principle then? If so, he opposed something he agrees with? Does he have any credibility after this then?
Great replay by mazari!
were all here for the greater good. to see Pakistan coming out as a wholesome and an Islamic State. atleast PTI is standing its ground and apologizing for their mistakes. which arent many considering what were going through right now. we have been hearing Bhutto for a long time. and what have we achieved? get out of the Families for heavens sake and Wake up. whoever wants to see Pakistan out of this Peril. please stand up and stand ground. Ill vote for Imran Khan and i know we WILL come out of the substraction were in.
very decent, short and complete reply........ gr8 Mazari
what she know about Pakistan people like them born with golden spone .they dont care about Pakistan but change has arrive in Pakistan and next vote for PTI Imran khan
@ Ayesha Khan
Obviously you don't get the point, don't you.
And the immature leadership of PTI is upset because of this young girl and I'm loving it :D Imran Khan criticizes the "whole world" and his followers consider him a pious person; but when another person/politician criticizes Imran, the whole PTI battalion fires non-sense. This shows the immature attitude of PTI. I'm sure Fatima Bhutto is a villain for the whole PTI.
@Ayesha Khan: If you had been following Imran, you would know that he has called himself a liberal. The people who he was referring to were the self-proclaimed liberals who are military hawks and support bombing of village and justify 'collateral damage.' These people are not liberals, if anything they are neoconservatives.
Great response to Fatima..great work PTI and Shireen sahib
A very nice and decent response from Dr. Mazari
Fatima Bhutto came to Pakistan at the age of 11 & she will be 30 years old this year. Not much time spent in the country??????
IK called liberals scum in one of his recent interviews while saying at the same time that he is leftist. Just a small example of one of his contradictions. Rallying against the system & filling his part with all the tried & tested individuals.
His viewpoint is so close to that of Zia. One would have accepted that being someone who had seen the pre-Zia era, would do something to get rid of the horrors of the post-Zia period. But he endorses his ideas.
God help Pakistan, if he is the Messiah
very good response by Shireen Mazari.. replies to criticism must be given with respect....
We respect Fatima Bhutto's OPINION although We don't agree with her assertions.