ISLAMABAD: PTI Chairman Imran Khan faced backlash from different circles after he allegedly said that reporter Gharida Farooqi was “bound to be harassed” if she “forced her way into male-dominated spaces”.

Imran made remarks while responding to a question about situation of female journalists in country during a conversation with delegations of National Press Club (NPC) and Rawalpindi Islamabad Union of Journalists (RIUJ) in federal capital.

When asked about female journalists being harassed at PTI’s rallies, former premier replied that he would issue special directives to his supporters in this regard. “If she (Gharida) would force her way into male-dominated spaces, then she is bound to be harassed,” PTI Chief said, implying that female journalist was “asking for it”. “It is same as aa bail mujhe maar (inviting trouble),” Imran added while speaking metaphorically. Regarding social media trolls, PTI Chairman said he could not stop them as they were not under anyone’s control.

Journalist Anwar Raza quoted Imran as saying, “Gharida grabs mic and forces her way through men which makes it equivalent to aa bail mujhe maar. Tell me what I can do in such a situation.”

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 20 2022

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