Tallal Chaudhry's misogynist comment angers journalists

JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 22 May 2019

PML-N leader Tallal Chaudhry's derogatory comments about Firdous Ashiq Awan have led to outrage among journalists. His half-hearted regret falls short of a true apology.
Summary

ISLAMABAD - Several journalists have roundly condemned PMLN leader, Tallal Chaudhry for his misogynist comment against Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan.

In a video clip circulating on social media, Tallal says: “This is the same kind of change where if Firdous Aashiq Awan is made to wash her face, without makeup there will be Firdous Khan inside.”

However, later Tallal offered a half-hearted regret, without directly apologizing to the special assistant. In a tweet in Urdu, he said: “I did not want to hurt anybody’s feelings. If somebody found my talk or example inappropriate, please accept my regret.”

Dunya News journalist Khawar Ghumman called for boycotting Tallal. “Let us all boycott him on TV screens.”

Presenter Asma Shirazi condemned the PMLN leader’s comments. “This is the attitude which needs to be condemned, why women are being used as a tool to show disrespect in every manner, some ethics must be learnt. @Dr_FirdousPTI is a strong woman in this male dominated society.”

Amber Shamsi of Samaa TV said: “What a low comment. Hope the women of PMLN school him on it. Pity I just saw this, would’ve questioned him about it on my show yesterday.”

Reema Omer, an international legal advisor, shared an earlier interview of Talall in which he is suggesting that Firdous Ashiq Awan is more of a man than a woman. “Not long after mocking Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan on the basis of gender, Tallal Chaudhry again makes a similarly vile statement - this time with her present in the same show.”

Journalist Nasim Zehra was disgusted. “So shld v kill all decency at the altar of political/power battles! This truly sick talk comes from a man who is PMLN’s leader. Not 1st time he is being rude & crass. Apologize! Ur sick/sexist remarks facilitate violence/vulgarity agst women in our country. @MaryamNSharif”

Analyst Imtiaz Gul also did not like the male politician using derogatory language about female counterparts. “How disgusting.This actually reflects the dirty inside of these people just as that of Fayaazul Hassan Chauhan. Scums”

Meher Bokhari also wondered when the male politicians would start to behave. “When will these men stop their misogynist, below the belt attacks on women, be it anyone? This attitude has permeated society, culture, politics & till top leadership condemns it the seed shall continue to germinate & grow @MaryamNSharif”

Later, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal issued an apology on Twitter. “We must not make political battles personal and should always be respectful towards women regardless of their political affiliation. I apologise on behalf of PMLN. Our leader MNS’s legacy is to maintain decency in politics.”

Photo: Twitter (@TallalChaudhry)

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