PAKISTAN, March 4, 2020 -- CFWIJ member, senior journalist Marvi Sirmed was verbally attacked during a live talk show for her feminist views. A local playwright Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar used abusive language against her. Trolls siding with Khalil later targeted Marvi online, resulting in a barrage of online abuse.

The discussion was focused on the upcoming Aurat March (Women’s March) in Pakistan, particularly in light of the opposition it has been receiving from the ultra-religious and conservative circles.

We urge relevant authorities in Pakistan, especially the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), to take swift action and ensure this does not happen again. We also demand Qamar to issue a public apology.

The situation turned ugly when Qamar, who is known for his anti-feminist sentiments, spoke ill about Aurat March and the slogans used during the March, including ‘mera jism meri marzi’ (my body my choice). When Marvi repeated the slogan, Qamar stopped his critique to attack her instead. 

We find it disheartening that the host, Ayesha Ehtesham - a woman journalist herself, did nothing to quell the playwright’s misbehavior and instead asked Marvi to quiet down while she was being cursed at during the show. The obvious reason for this is that disruptive and disrespectful behavior towards women helps gain higher ratings. Ayesha should have instead asked him to watch his words or cut the sound on his mic.

While condemning the abusive attack on Marvi, CFWIJ member and senior journalist Lubna Jerar Naqvi said, “This gentleman is being constantly invited on different talk shows to speak on women’s rights. I want to know what his credentials are to be invited as an expert. Why didn’t the anchor stop him and tell him that he is wrong in using such language,” she said.

Lubna also spoke about the responsibility of the show’s host. “An anchor should have enough strength and confidence to stop such behavior immediately. I do not understand why we allow this. PEMRA always comes down on other issues but is silent now. Anchors and journalists are put off air and warned instantly. This person should be taken off air.”

This is not the first time our member has been attacked during a talk show while discussing women’s rights. In July 2016, a local politician from an Islamic political party tried to punch Marvi, used abusive slurs against her, and gave her rape threats. Our member has also been subjected to immense abuse online and has been doxed by a man who disseminated fake news about her. 

We are concerned about Marvi’s safety because of the abuse she has been receiving. We urge Pakistani news channels to do better when selecting panellists on their shows. This vile behaviour against women journalists is unacceptable.