Gharidah Farooqi leads legal battle against sexist remarks in media

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 26 July 2024 |  JP Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Gharidah Farooqi, a prominent television anchor who hosts the program "G for Gharidah" on GTV, has initiated legal action against Dr. Omar Adil, who made derogatory and sexist remarks in an online program, and the host vlogger Zohaib Saleem Butt.

Farooqi announced on X (formerly Twitter) her decision to take legal action against the "two disgraceful men." She stated: "I have initiated legal action against these two disgraceful men involved in crimes against women, the so-called Dr. Omar Adil and the so-called Zohaib Butt. If these shameful individuals do not apologize sincerely and legally, and if they do not correct their actions, they will face imprisonment and their digital and other businesses will be shut down."

She pointed out that her action aimed to stop such disgraceful behaviors committed against women with the belief that they would not be caught. "It also aims to end the patriarchal mindset that is extremely toxic against women. This will be a test case for the justice system and its commitment to protecting women."

Farooqi hoped that the institutions and the judiciary would now make an example of such "disgraceful characters" so that no one dared to commit such acts in the future.

Farooqi said that the two had used an obscure forum to gain cheap fame and views. "So-called Dr. Omar Adil and so-called Zohaib Butt, on an obscure forum, have used vulgar and offensive language and hurled filthy accusations against all female journalists/anchors/hosts/women working in the media, especially using my name to gain cheap fame, views, and some money. All women are united against this," she said.

Dr. Omar Adil whose comments sparked widespread outrage had said in the program: "I would say something about female anchors in the Pakistan media industry. I am being honest. The women in media in our country are either someone's keep because they have been handpicked by a seth or somebody else to go and host a stupid program."

His remarks drew intense backlash on social media. Absa Komal of DawnNews expressed her dismay, saying, "Unfortunately, I have seen the entire statement, and it is painful to be a part of this society. Seeing successful women has driven them completely insane."

In support of Gharidah Farooqi, the Network of Women Journalists for Digital Rights (NWJDR) called for full accountability of Dr. Omar Adil. The Women Press Freedom organization also expressed solidarity with Gharidah and over 60 journalists in condemning the sexist remarks.

This case marks a significant moment in the fight against misogyny and patriarchal attitudes within Pakistan's media industry, emphasizing the need for accountability and respect for women professionals.