Pakistani Minister Gandapur under fire for making ‘sexist remarks' against Maryam Nawaz

Tariq Butt, Correspondent

Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has come under fire for making "sexist and foul” remarks against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz.

While criticising her during a public gathering in Tarar Khal in Azad Jammu and Kashmir's (AJK), Gandapur said Maryam Nawaz has spent Rs80 million of taxpayers money on surgery and he will unmask her real face before the public by removing cosmetic surgery.

"We will slap you in the face so much that your real face will be revealed to everyone," the minister said while resorting to misogynistic remarks against the PML-N leader.

"His clearly sexist comments didn’t lead to any accountability then some suggest it was likely commended. And a few months later, he is back, adding violence to his sexism. This pattern also shows his troubling obsession with Maryam Nawaz and her appearance,” noted commentator and lawyer Reema Omer said in a tweet.

"Gandapur's filth, (Prime Minister Imran Khan’s aides Shahbaz) Gill and Co’s rubbish & nonsense are leading the youth towards mental destruction and as a result characters like Zahir Jaffer and Usman Mirza are born. In their crimes PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) is equally responsible,” Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah wrote on the microblogging site.

Awami Nation Party (ANP’s) lawmaker Samar Bilour urged Maryam Nawaz to rise above the "vile narrative" and reminded everyone that women across the country are feeling especially threatened in light of the recent acts of violence against women.

Last year in November as well, the minister went too far in his criticism of political opponents, especially against Maryam Nawaz and drew ire over social media for his casual sexism and problematic speeches against political rivals.