Politics

Twitter cancels PPP leader Nabil Gabol for shocking rape analogy

Published

1 year ago

Farwa

Fatima Bhutto and Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari have condemned the “misogynistic” and “filthy” analogy about rape made by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Nabil Gabol during an interview.

During the session on a YouTube channel, the interviewer remarked that political parties had been “used” by only to be discarded. He then asked Gabol whether it was an issue.

Gabol replied: “I will answer this with an English proverb. When rape is imminent, just enjoy it.”

The interviewer responded that there was no such proverb, but Gabol insisted: “Yes there is.”

He further went on to explain: “If you have the tolerance for it and if your body can endure it, you should. But if you have any dignity, you will speak up against it. I don’t believe in the claim that someone is being forced. Even if you are being forced, you must stand your ground.”

The video surfaced recently, leading to collective outrage from people across the country.

Social media users could not hold back their horror and shock as they struggled to understand the nuances of the analogy, its context, and the offhand-ish way the statement was made are numerous.

Among those who have condemned the statement are Bakhtawar — daughter of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto — and Fatima Bhutto — daughter of Murtaza Bhutto.

Taking to Twitter, Bakhtawar wrote: “His (repulsive) rhetoric belongs to his individual only & is in no way a representation of our party. In case it wasn’t already abundantly obvious- we absolutely & unequivocally stand for the rights & protection of women. Misogyny has no space in our religion nor our party.”

His (repulsive) rhetoric belongs to his individual only & is in noway a representation of our party. Incase it wasn’t already abundantly obvious- we absolutely & unequivocally stand for the rights & protection of women. Misogyny has no space in our religion nor our party. https://t.co/aFsDF8DjXA
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) April 3, 2023

Whereas, Fatima said: “Utter filth. Nabil Gabol exposes the absolute criminal mindset of Sindh’s government. He has done nothing for Lyari, for the people he supposedly represents, and laughs while talking of such violence. Horrendous.”

Utter filth. Nabil Gabol exposes the absolute criminal mindset of Sindh’s government. He has done nothing for Lyari, for the people he supposedly represents, and laughs while talking of such violence. Horrendous. https://t.co/rlRwiNoO6P
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) April 3, 2023

Twitter reacts

However, the Bhutto women are not the only ones perplexed. Here are some other responses to Gabol’s statement.

1. ‘Deeply troubling’

Lawyer and women’s rights activist Nighat Dad also condemned the remark.

“Deeply troubling and unacceptable for politicians like Nabeel Gabol to make light of rape. Such behavior is not only insensitive and offensive but also perpetuates harmful and dangerous attitudes towards sexual violence,” she wrote.

Deeply troubling and unacceptable for politicians like Nabeel Gabol to make light of rape. Such behavior is not only insensitive and offensive but also perpetuates harmful and dangerous attitudes towards sexual violence. @PPP_Org @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/01Z5GCfSWc
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) April 2, 2023

2. ‘Filthy’

Could someone please tell me this politician's name (the one being interviewed?) He's from PPP. Whoever he is, he's got the sickest mind ever. He just said 'When r*pe is imminent, just enjoy it'. What a sick, sick mind. If people like him ended up making our policies & laws, r*pe… pic.twitter.com/6B5rbalMkZ
— Muneeb Qadir (@muneebqadirmmq) April 2, 2023

3. ‘Unsurprising’

*TW*. I'd say unbelievable but is it really? Men in powerful positions will trivialise rape, talk abt abducting women, talk abt women in entertainment like they're there for their taking — and get away with it. Nothing will happen to Nabil Gabol's career, no matter the offence. https://t.co/G0LhL1Ricj
— Zebunnisa Burki (@zburki) April 3, 2023

Final take

Of the many serious matters that get treated as a joke in this country, one that people — especially women — can no longer bear with is rape. From the women chanting at the Aurat March rallies to those struggling in their homes, incessantly and emphatically women have said: Rape is no joke.

However, in this case, as in countless others, the surprise is that there is no surprise. A quick Twitter search will reveal that this is not the first time Gabol has come under fire for such a remark.

Previously, he has been called out on social media for making statements with sexual innuendoes when speaking of women politicians and for joking about abducting women.

PPP leader Nabeel Gabol bragging about picking up, abducting any girl that he likes, insinuating something that I can't even write here. pic.twitter.com/f7Ujuy74mk
— OSINT Insider (@OSINT_Insider) April 2, 2023

Latest News

The PML-N Punjab chapter convenes today to discuss organizational issues.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Former prime minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif, has called a meeting of the PML-N Punjab chapter for today (Friday).

The conference was called by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif, who reportedly gave the president of the party’s Punjab chapter, Rana Sanaullah, a call to call a meeting of the party’s provincial officials.

Nawaz Sharif is now visiting China.

According to sources, Nawaz Sharif’s leadership role and organizational issues inside the PML-N Punjab would be discussed at the meeting. The meeting’s agenda may also include discussions about the possible growth of the federal and Punjabi cabinets.

According to other sources, Nawaz Sharif gave Rana Sanaullah instructions to gather information on political and organizational positions in Punjab as well as to revitalize the party at the local level.

Latest News

Saad Rafiq: Ali Amin Gandapur’s threat to storm Islamabad is a major issue.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Ali Amin Gandapur, the chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has threatened to storm Islamabad, according to Khawaja Saad Rafique, a former minister and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). This is a very serious situation.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa administration has reportedly launched attacks on the federal capital in the past in an attempt to seize Islamabad, according to Saad Rafiq on the social media platform X (previously Twitter).

“However, PTI got nothing and it resulted in creating chaos, hatred and economic destruction,” he continued.

He added, “If the anarchists attack Islamabad to occupy it this time too, it will become impossible for them to return as rulers.”

According to the leader of the PML-N, fascist behavior will no longer be accepted, and the dirty politics of violence, fire, and ransacking will no longer be effective.

The PTI, he said, has to act rationally and refrain from inciting another May 9.

Latest News

PTI founder’s temporary bail in the attack on Jinnah House case is increased

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Information connected to the attack on Jinnah House and three other cases were heard by ATC duty judge Arshad Javed.

A video link from Adiala jail will be used by the court to commemorate the presence of former prime minister Imran Khan in all three cases.

Notably, the Punjab government has assigned Imran Khan, the founder of the PTI, seven cells in Adiala Jail, and fourteen security guards have been assigned to guard him. This information was previously communicated to the LHC.

According to AGP Punjab Khalid Ishaq, “six additional cells have been provided for Imran Khan in order to ensure appropriate security for him.”

According to the article, “14 police officers have been assigned to guard Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, whereas one officer is assigned to care for ten prisoners.

happenings on May 9
With the arrest of Imran Khan, the founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and the former prime minister at the Islamabad High Court (IHC), violent protests erupted around the country.

With Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad calling in the armed forces to maintain peace and order, the party workers, incensed over their chairman’s imprisonment, staged rallies in both big cities and remote areas.

A demonstration by “PTI workers” resulted in attacks on Army posts including Jinnah House, the home of the Corps Commander in Lahore.