Twitter was outraged, and rightly so, when Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader and former MNA Nabil Gabol’s statement making light of rape went viral. The resurgence of the video interview, which originally came out a few months ago, led to a backlash on social media.
Here’s how it all started: On Sunday, Twitter user, lawyer Muneeb Qadir, shared a clip of Gabol where he made light of rape, saying “when rape is imminent, just enjoy it”. Following this, several misogynistic and disturbing remarks made by the PPP leader started doing the rounds on social media, drawing widespread condemnation on Twitter.
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
As Twitter users began tagging PPP officials, the party’s MNA Anny Marri tweeted a clear condemnation.
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
In case there is any doubt, the PPP does not support or endorse misogynistic comments by Nabil Gabol or any other member of the party. Such mindsets are condemnable. PPP has stood for women’s empowerment and remains the only consistently progressive party in Pakistan.
— Anny Marri (@Anny_Marri) April 2, 2023
I believe there needs to be more than just a stance on Twitter for this. But sure.
— Kanwal Ahmed (@kanwalful) April 3, 2023
Former PM Benazir Bhutto’s daughter Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari also came forward and said, “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
Twitter users responded to the PPP’s leaders, saying the condemnation was not enough, and action should be taken against the leader. Following this, it was announced that Nabil Gabol has been served a show cause notice by the party.
The devolvement comes amid mainstream political parties increasingly using misogynistic slurs targeting opponents.
Earlier, PPP removed Sariya Rana from the position of Information Secretary Peoples Youth Organization (PYO) Central Punjab after she posted a misogynistic tweet against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists. The tweet was later deleted.
 leader and former MNA Nabil Gabol’s statement making light of rape went viral. The resurgence of the video interview, which originally came out a few months ago, led to a backlash on social media.){kind=link}