In the PTI Islamabad rally on Sunday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister (CM) Ali Amin Gandapur made controversial and derogatory remarks about female journalists, sparking widespread condemnation and protests.
During his speech, Gandapur used foul language against women journalists, calling them “sellouts” and “brokers,” and threatened to confront those he accused of campaigning against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. These remarks were part of a broader tirade that included allegations of bias and misconduct against the media.
The remarks were met with immediate backlash. PML-N leaders, including Punjab Information Minister and Senator Talal Chaudhry, strongly criticized Gandapur. At a press conference in Lahore, Chaudhry condemned Gandapur’s use of foul language and threats, describing the incident as “crossing a line” and a continuation of a troubling pattern. Chaudhry also vowed legal action against Gandapur and his supporters for attacking Islamabad police during the rally.
Journalists, outraged by the remarks, staged protests in both the Senate and the National Assembly. They boycotted sessions and demanded a direct apology from Gandapur. In response to the growing uproar, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar issued an unconditional apology on behalf of the party. He acknowledged the hurt caused by Gandapur’s comments and clarified that the remarks were aimed at only a few journalists, not the entire media community.
Gohar emphasized that the PTI respects journalists and does not intend to escalate tensions. He also stated that Gandapur had apologized to him personally and expressed that the remarks were a political statement rather than a reflection of the party’s stance.
Despite these apologies, the controversy has intensified calls for accountability. Journalists have announced their intention to file a lawsuit against Gandapur, citing safety concerns and the inflammatory nature of his speech.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, currently incarcerated, claimed ignorance of Gandapur’s remarks when questioned by journalists at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail. Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan assured journalists that Gandapur would also issue a formal apology.
