Pakistan: CFWIJ stands by women journalists criticizing PM Khan for his remarks on rape

April 19, 2021, Islamabad- In an event organized by the Uks Research Center, women journalists, academics, and members of civil society gathered to discuss Prime Minister Imran Khan's remarks regarding the high rate of sexual violence in the country. Several speakers were critical of the opinion expressed by Prime Minister Khan, which they believed placed the burden of the crime on women.

In a TV interview, when asked about the rampant cases of child rape in the country, Imran Khan claimed the vulgarity promoted in society through pornography and foreign media is the culprit behind these incidents. To counter this, he claimed society needs to adopt pardah. In Pakistan, where the concept of pardah is often perceived as a religiously designed dress code for women, this comment prompted public outrage. Local media, international media, and several human rights organizations argued that such language around rape blames the victim for the assault. Critics also cited several research studies that indicate rape is rarely linked to the sexual appeal of the victim and is most often a demonstration of power by the perpetrators.

In an event organized by the Uks Research Center, several women journalists discussed the pitfalls of such an argument, especially in light of the sexist approach to stories of sexual violence in newsrooms. According to senior journalist Nasim Zehra, “It [blaming the dress code] puts the blame on the victim, and empowers the perpetrator,” she said. “Suddenly, the focus moves from the perpetrator to the victim, her character and how she conducts herself and how she deserves what happens to her. And it is all linked to what she wears, making pardah a safety mechanism. It makes rape kosher. It diverts blame from the crime,” she contested.

Journalist Munizae Jahangir mentions the sexist culture in Pakistani newsrooms and their inadequate response to such statements and incidents of sexual assault. “Our women have not had the response that they should have. Even a story of rape in newsrooms is considered a side story or something that can only be tackled by female journalists. But it is not just a women issue as statistics tell us that boys are also raped,” she said.

Senior journalist and CFWIJ fellow Afia Salam shed light on the entitlement that Pakistani men already feel towards women's bodies in the country because of pardah rhetoric. “Just three days ago, I saw an old man pass by, who then turned and ordered me to cover my head. Here, I have to say that our prime minister cannot understand complex narratives. He fell off the track when talking about child rape and harassment and started talking about women and what they wear or how they carry themselves in public. There is a need to throw the statistics back in his face. Parliament and the parliamentary committees should also challenge him about this,” she said.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands by the women journalists admonishing the irresponsible statement made by the Pakistani prime minister. The suggestion that any victim of sexual assault is responsible for the crime is reprehensible. Such attitudes contribute to the social stigma around cases of sexual violence, making it difficult for survivors to come forward. In all cases, it is the perpetrator of rape who needs to be held accountable. The prime minister must take action to support survivors of sexual assault and bring such predators to justice, rather than perpetuate a dangerous narrative.