During an interview with The New Yorker’s Isaac Chotiner, Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan backed his comments on journalist Gharidah Farooqi being harassed at PTI rallies.
The interview titled “Imran Khan’s Double Game” was published on Feb 5. Isaac asked about the PTI chief’s views on the Afghan Taliban and women’s education. This led to the journalist asking Khan about his victim-blaming remarks about Farooqi.
What Imran Khan said?
Chotiner asked, “Was it taken out of context? What you stated about journalist Gharida Farooqi, who was harassed at a PTI event – ‘What does she expect if a woman forces her way in male-dominated places?'” Khan replied, “No. No. No. It wasn’t taken out of context. It was just one particular rally where there were all men. Gharida was right in the middle of them.”
Additionally he stated, “Anyone who knows Pakistani society, they are aware that if you put yourself in that position, you are going to be vulnerable.” Acknowledging that men should be held accountable, Khan continued, “But it works both ways. In our society, individuals often avoid placing themselves in such a situation. That’s all there is to it.”
What else:
When Isaac questioned how this applies to a female journalist , Khan retorted, “We have outstanding women journalists in Pakistan. They are doing a wonderful job, but they’re not required to put themselves in those situations.”
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