Durrani demands President’s apology over sexist remarks against PTI founder

ISLAMABAD: Senior politician and former federal minister has termed President ’s remarks, terming PTI founder to “crying like women” in jail as regrettable and condemnable.

"The statement undermines the political struggle and courage of Pakistani women," Durrani said in a statement.

Durrani said the comments insult the legacy and political contributions of brave women leaders including Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah as well as millions of resilient Pakistani women.

He urged the president to withdraw the remarks and apologize to women across the country.

He said Pakistani women politicians have written unparalleled stories of struggle and courage, stepping forward at times when many prominent male leaders were absent from the field.

Durrani said that the country’s mothers, sisters, and daughters are examples of determination and resilience in society, having made sacrifices and demonstrated bravery in ways that make not only men but the entire society proud.

He said that such language neither reflect Baloch traditions nor befits the constitutional office of the president, which symbolizes the federation.

Referring to reconciliation efforts, Durrani said that if President Zardari plays a conciliatory role regarding Khan’s health on the direction of the PPP chairman, it would be in line with party policy promoting political reconciliation.

Responding to another question, Durrani said it is the government’s responsibility to ensure proper care of the PTI founder’s health.

He said the government does not need to seek permission from the family but should fulfill its responsibility on its own by providing the best possible treatment and shifting him to whichever hospital is required.

He stressed that illness should not be politicized, adding that the government’s recent change in stance and approach on the matter is a positive development.

He further said that going abroad for medical treatment should not be labeled a political deal, as providing treatment to any patient on humanitarian grounds is the government’s legal obligation, and the matter should neither be mocked nor described as a deal.

Durrani added that consultation should be held with Imran Khan himself, his wife Bushra Bibi, and his sons regarding treatment decisions. Just as he has urged the government not to politicize health issues, he said the PTI founder’s family and party members should also refrain from doing politics on the matter.

"Sending a patient abroad for treatment should not be portrayed as a political deal", he said.