LAHORE: A video depicting Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Hina Pervaiz Butt and her son being bullied in London has ignited a wave of outrage on social media. The incident, captured in the shared video, showcases Butt expressing concerns about the increasing physical attacks and offensive language by PTI members. This incident has drawn vehement condemnations from journalists, politicians, and individuals.
Former PTI leader Shireen Mazari swiftly condemned the abuse and attack against Hina Pervaiz Butt, emphasizing the inadmissibility of such behaviour towards women. She criticized the use of sexist language against women and called for a higher standard of discourse and respect.
Mazari stated on Twitter, “Criticism is acceptable, but abuse of women is always unacceptable.”
Hina Pervaiz Butt characterized the incident as an assault on her and expressed her gratitude for the lessons in patience and civility imparted by her leader, Nawaz Sharif.
The video footage, disseminated on various social media platforms, elicited reactions from political supporters and critics alike. One video segment captures a man hurling expletives at Butt. At the same time, another depicts multiple individuals chasing her and her son outside a currency exchange outlet, accusing them of misappropriating the country’s money.
A PML-N leader, Ahsan Iqbal criticized PTI supporters for their actions and accused party chief Imran Khan of fomenting hatred. He stated, “This behaviour by PTI followers is becoming a source of mockery of the country abroad.”
Amid the outrage, PML-N member Shaza Fatima Khawaja called for action against the hecklers to ensure the safety of all individuals in London. She emphasized the distinction between freedom of expression, peaceful political protest, and harassing, attacking, or stalking individuals with differing viewpoints.
Journalist Meher Bokhari questioned the treatment of Hina Pervaiz Butt and emphasized her right to support any political party of her choice. She underscored the need for basic etiquette, respect, and honour, asserting that such behaviour is a loss for the entire nation.
Bokhari stated, “Would treating a PTI MPA in this manner be right? Not. And if that’s not right, why is this?”
Journalist Raza Rumi expressed his regrets about the heckling incident and encouraged Hina Pervaiz Butt to report it to the police. He reassured that the rowdy and misled individuals involved in the incident do not represent the majority of Pakistanis abroad.
This incident raises the importance of maintaining a respectful and civil discourse in the political arena. The treatment of political figures, regardless of their affiliations, should adhere to the principles of decency, respect, and freedom of expression. The incident has ignited conversations about the importance of upholding these values in Pakistan and abroad.