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ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif came under fire by opposition lawmakers for making offensive remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) MNA Shireen Mazari during a National Assembly (NA) session on Wednesday.
Using derogatory language specifically targeting the PTI's chief whip Shireen Mazari, Asif pointed towards Mazari and said, "Someone make this tractor trolley keep quiet" when she and some other lawmakers protested to his speech on loadshedding during Ramazan.
"Make her voice more feminine," he said, according to eyewitnesses. Another lawmaker chimed in from the government benches to say "Keep quiet, aunty."
Moments earlier, television footage showed the defence minister briefing lawmakers on the state of loadshedding in Ramazan. "We are making efforts so that those who are fasting spend their sehri, iftari and tarawih without being affected by the loadshedding crisis," Asif claimed.
Opposition lawmakers, including Mazari, vocally opposed the defence minister's claims. Amid the uproar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq called for order, requesting the opposition benches to quiet down and listen to Asif's speech. "Wait until it is your turn to respond," Sadiq said.
The opposition, however, did not halt their protest, upon which Asif said: "They can't get their affairs in order but they criticise others," after which he made a pointed remark at Mazari, asking for her to be silenced.
The PTI's chief whip, Mazari is known for her clear stance on issues and her hard-hitting criticism of government policies.
Following the debacle, the NA speaker ordered that Asif's remarks against Mazari be expunged from the session's record.
When Mazari stood in protest and argued with the speaker's decision, Asif said: "I am not going to apologise, they can do whatever they want."
Ayaz Sadiq ordered Mazari to sit down and 'let him do his job'. Shifting the blame for Asif's outburst onto Mazari, the speaker said: "Why didn't you sit then? You kept on speaking," he told the PTI's chief whip.
PTI's Shafqat Mehmood said Asif, who he had known for 50 years, was intelligent and well-dressed but whenever he was under pressure, he didn't keep his tongue in check. "It seems as though this problem has followed him for 50 years," Mehmood said.
Although some TV reports claim Mazari appeared on the verge of tears, the PTI's chief whip denies having "broken down".
"News on TV channels that I broke down in NA because of Khawaja Asif's remarks absolutely incorrect. We had a yelling match until the speaker intervened," she tweeted.
Responding to Asif's outburst, PTI Spokesman Naeemul Haq said "Khawaja Asif should be hung upside down for his vulgarity and misbehaviour, and should be beaten with a shoe 25 times in the morning and 25 times in the evening."
Khawaja Asif last year slammed the PTI when the party's lawmakers rejoined the NA. "They should also have some grace, some ethics and some modesty," he said.
Mazari said, "Told Khawaja Asif if he had any shame or modesty he would know to deal with women... Luckily my voice is louder than his."
Comments (110) Closed
New low in our political scene!!
All the ministers, MNA's and MPA's of PML(N) and PPP are not disciplined and donot known how to address ladies and general public.
Defense minister discussing loadshedding during ramzan, do these office bearer's know what their job is?
He used unapropriate language for pakistan army and then for imran khan and know for female parlimentarian something is wrong with this guy.
A sane knows how to treat/address a woman nicely.
Shameful! These people represent us in the assembly!
His wicket is soon gonna be down.
When IK says something along these lines it is free speech and points scored. Hypocrisy of people.
@Mare When has IK said something on these lines in the parliament? For that matter when has IK used such language against a women in any gathering.
"They should also have some grace, some ethics and some modesty,"
This man, Khawaja Asif has degraded himself to new lows. He does not look like a senior politician any more, Honorable prime minister should take notice
What's the point of bringing women protection bill in Punjab assembly when you expose yourself with this bigotry in the national assembly?
@Ibneadam He is also the water and power minister.
As you sow so shall you reap. Or what goes around comes around
Mazari is one of the most intelligent law maker. She should not engage in such mud slinging. Doesnt suit her. I personally respect her and would advice her not to go down to the level of these pmln goons.
Everyone seems to be doing everything except what they are supposed to be doing. No wonder nothing ever gets done.
From reading the article ir seems that Mrs Mazari was not letting Mr Khawaja speak. In that case Mr Khawaja was right to tell her off, she should respond when invited by the speaker otherwise not interrupt someone else. These PTI people do not understand the norms of parliamentary debate.
@Ali ... u think so... just checkwhat those people who propose "beating a woman lightly is right" have to say
PML is acting more and more like thugs. I would be surprised if they actually finish their term. Govt is starting to look like a comedic circus. Once again a display of real "democracy" in PK. Regardless of reasons those words and tone are UNACCEPTABLE in a democracy and minister would either have to apologize or be suspended. However since in PK there is a Kingdom I suppose that is ok. PML: Claim to be here to save democracy but yet act like thugs.
It is the responsibility of the speaker to keep the house from using deragoratory remarks. He should have warned Khawaja Asif and stopped him right away. This shows that the speaker is making a one sided decision which in any democracy is unacceptable.
It is self reflection of people in power
@Shahid Honorable are people who do not lie in parliament. I do not think there are many in our parliament. This man I had respect for, but he shows his true colours every now and then.
His behaviour is typical of the way men regard women in this country.
Shireen may be annoying no doubt, but there was no need for him to use insulting language. Atleast he needs to maintain his own dignity and the dignity of the office he holds.
Civility is badly needed in the parliament.
Khawja Asif MUST apologize. Further, the Assembly should issue a stern warning to him. These 'Leaders' need to be disciplined.
@Ibneadam well said
Totally as expected. The set of people live up to my (very low) expectations of them every time.
Minister is under the influence of load shedding.He must apologize publicly if he is man enough.
Only in Pakistan such disrespecting people like Khwaja Asif can get votes.. Sad state of affairs..
The outburst of Khawaja Asif shows how matured our law makers are. We cannot expect any good from such politicians.
How one is brought up at home decides how the person will behave as an adult. Our politicians are brought up as a class of people to think they are superior to others, this is the way they think and this is the way they will always behave. The same people are in power on both sides. How can this country progress when our ministers do not even know how to talk politely, how can we negotiate Kashmir? Water problems, when we do not posses the most basic etiquette, manners, of knowing how to talk. We are a pitiful people.
@Adnan "From reading the article ir seems that Mrs Mazari was not letting Mr Khawaja speak. In that case Mr Khawaja was right to tell her off"
This is parliament and not some junior school where you can tell people off. Secondly it's house speaker's job to control the proceedings and not Khawaja Asif. This thuggish behavior shown by K. Asif is completely inappropriate.
A Defense Minister talking about load-shedding is simply naive
He really has a foul mouth!
Khawaja Asif has croosed the rope
Is this a reflection of a male dominated society where the top leaders as ignorant of decent gender senstive values as well? Surprised at his gross IGNORANCE!!!
Thanks to Shireen Mazari at least now the world knows very well what Khawaja Asif's idea of a Defence Minister is and that he's sure such a reputation will gain him the votes of those who support CCI's Ashrafi. PTI sure knows how to strike two birds with one stone.
Kh Asif is outspoken person and in Gen Musharaf regime he was vocal against the army rule, when most of the politicians were either silent or joined the hands of dictator. My concerns is that the environment in politics is going low day by day in an effort to remain in power and to snatch power by any means. Opposition should have listened to Kh Asif and speak on their turn. But this not give an excuse to Kh Asif to use derogatory words. he is a senior politician and minister. He should have maintained the dignity of his office and government.
One TV he comes across as a soft spoken person but don't forget that he's still part of the regressive PML(N). It takes a certain mindset, which occasionally emerges under pressure.
That is the name of this game...who said politics is decent...it is vulgar...and what happens when out of the house in their speeches they use low language so why not in the National Assembly...
The world is watching our so called democratic style in parliament its an eye opening for people who voted them in the assembly - martial law is the best solution for Pakistan
Disgraceful in every sense of the word. Our Parliament has zero class.
PTI should've listened to the speaker and kept silent. Let K Asif speak. It's funny how everyone always blame PMLN yet they don't see their own action. Very mature!
Typical Pakistani male mentality and yes women will vote for him again and again in his province.
Khawaja Asif's use of such vulgar and street language is a sign that they are frustrated. They have no answer to anything (Panama Leaks, loadshedding, corruption, rigging). Such a weak system and biased speaker are good for nothing. Speaker is still defending Asif instead of admonishing him.
@Mare there is a difference between free speech and insulting a woman.
When did the Defense Minister become responsible for the Energy Sector?
And when did the Finance Minister take responsibility for National Security, and not the designated Interior Minister, that he attends the meeting with the Army brass, and not the latter??
Show him how to respect women. "Respect for women" is actually an unfamilliar word for PMLN.
Altaf Hussain used a bad word in public gathering against her and later said sorry then why not Khawaja Asif. This is how women get treated in Punjab.
Good going really mature person.
Isn't this the same language Imran speaks? Who call someone diesel?
Never thought Tractor Trollies are Vulgar
Mr Saad Rafiq lost his temper in the morning and Mr Khwaja Asif is angry in afternoon with Mr Sharif is in hospital, Look like the Panamagate issue is taking it tolls. PML-N is under tremendance pressure. If the PTI with opposition keep this pressure on government then their days are number. Even Mr Khwaja Asif has lost his temper to save his face. Load shedding talk is just a plain lie. How would he face women voters in the next election if he don,t respect our sister and mothers.
What Asif dis not rite , but at the same time Mazari didnt act properly too.
PTI deserved what it got - i am also a PTI supporter btw
Khawaja Asif's comments are indeed shameful but why she did not want him to speak? These days ethics training is mandatory in many organizations. I think it should be declared mandatory for our members of parliament as well.
The Defense Minister behavior is foul and unworthy of his position.
Imran Khan also involved in offensive remarks against other political leaderships.
Sounds like hypocrisy to me from PTI. When IK and PTI calls everyone by name it's okay, but anyone else does it and it's wrong?
Also to PTI was being disrespectful by not letting K Asif speak. If anything shame on PTI and their leaders for bringing the name calling culture!
Khawaja Asif's offensive remarks against women are shameful. This is the kind of behavior that encourages copy cat actions by bad men in society.
This is the way they treat their wonen . The feudal and vulgar mind has no respect for opponents and women . These goons have worn suites to desguise the public to look civilized
@Mare actually I was thinking IK or any of his party members never says thing this bad, yet they are criticized for bad language. But these PMLN guys always go unnoticed.
Shameless members of PMLN . There should be a code of manners and decent language .
Well what kind of language would u expect from people like them.
Everyone in politics used this kind of language why single out one person.
If only Imran displays better language and better manners for those he wishes to replace, his team will follow suit.Unfortunately, persons of the experience of Shah Mehmood, Shafqat mehmood etc are grossly disappointed with the ignorance and the arrogance of Imran and they know not now which way to turn. They burnt their boats at the time of joining PTI. Imran may have been a good cricketer but he does not have the making of any thing else but that. He will never make it; not in his this life time. It may therefore be a good idea for sensible lot around him to jump on the life boats before Imran manages to sink the ship.
@Mare - Please point out one incident where Imran Khan has said something like that!
Why is it impossible for people to ever accept responsibility of anything. Do you honestly think him calling her 'tractor trolley' was ok? Pakistani politicians, especially Khawaja Asif, needs to stop acting like immature 6 year old child!
Khaja's remarks undoubtedly ungraceful, undignified, undemocratic and unacceptable but submissively speaking behaviour of madam Mazari also non parliamentary and unbearable.
he should behave ask for appology from Shereen Mizari & from his constituency people for bringing bad fame to them
This is culture introduced by IK through his dharna.
Khawaja Asif must tender apology to Ma'am Shireen Mazari,although we know Ma'am Mazari uses bold terminology to opponents,but respect must be reciprocated by gentleman like Khawaja Asif,after the Panama accusations against the PM family Khawaja Asif mood is in hyper syndrome,and while it's persistently hyper these days when more importance is granted by media to his uneasy unfriendly colleague Chaudhry Nisar,hence he could not outburst on Ch Nisar, instead the easy prey he found Ma'am Shireen Mazari.Anyway Khawaja Sahab must apologize soonest that would balm the wound, and Ma'am Mazari is a great lady she will accept the apology like she pardoned Altaf Hussain.
Khawaja Asif needs to be rusticated from the legislative Assembly.
Oh IK. and Mazari are so disciplined. Calling Diesel,
These politicians are a true picture of uncivilized. Their speeches are full of hatred and disgusting language yet they call themselves civilized and honorable. What a pity that people vote for such indecent politicians and in return what people get is nothing but 5 years of misery and pain.
@Mare you are justifying such language against women?
@Mare ,IK has never used degrading words against any woman.
Will this minister call PMLN women legislators tractor trolley?
Defense minister should talking about how to handle india's aggression rather than this crap... they all are here to loot and run
Well, what to say about this news. If that has happened, I mean really the way it is presented in this news, then I must say: 1- Why don't these representatives show respect for each other, not just in Senate, NA or PA sessions, but on media as well? 2- If some one is addressing, why not other just listen and wait for their turn to speak about that subject? 3- Do they make such situation, so that they can be in media highlights? A common learn such things in schooling or at home, not in masjid. Either they didn't attend any schooling or their parents didn't teach them. I strongly believe that, such people are the followers of miscreants of the society.
When ALL of them learn manners - that's when Pakistan can start moving forward.
such a disgracefull attitude of defence minister!!!
If shirin mazari can be called as tractor trolley than same can happens to PML-N women legislators
His comments were in a bad taste. All parties should educate their members how to control themselves. But we must give credit to PTI that no one can beat them on abusive language either social media or in their Jalsa.
PTI should teach some ethics to Imran Khan also. His language is not very decent by any standard.
Isn't this the same guy who was preaching for "Sharm-o-haya?"
A new low. I fail to understand how someone can do this repeatedly and remain a ministor, let alone a member of parliament. But then again, I also fail to understand how this whole government hasn't been toppled already.
He will apologize after out of office that is the norm in Pak. politics. Shame on this mindset of politician in our country.
Shameful
Typical Khawaja Asif and PML-N's inner thinking tone..
@Asif Kashmiri I m sure you are educated person first and then a supporter whoever you wish to be. It is about talking to women decently not about PTI. When ANY of the PTI MNA or MPA talked like that to any women publicly or heard misbehaved at any point in time?
Has anyone wondered how Khawaja Asif treats the ladies in his own home? Is he actually an educated man or just another "Angutha Chaap"?
The partisan attitude of the Speaker is extremely sad. In a normal democracy the Speaker remains neutral and maintains order in the house. He seems to have failed on both counts.
@Kamal Pasha. Only PTI knows? Yeah, PTI leader divorces his wife with tweet while lady is coming out of the plane. This shows how much PTI leader has respect for woman. Where as Sherian Mazari is concerned, she is certainly very annoying.
kh asif comes from sialkot , a place of inhabitants known for quick "bend" . kh asif himself had been through "bending trauma" many times during childhood . Frustration developed during childhood is clearly visible in his vulgarity . Some one interested should satisfy his urge for "bend" , I am sure one odd good stroke will do his therapy .
I cannot believe, how can a sitting minister addressing in parliament can use such a degrading language against a women. Shame. On protest the speaker sided with the abusing minister by suggesting the opposition to show restraint. All hope lost from a government having such low quality minister.
When someone can not answer a question and keep lying, his last defense is vulgar talk.
After reading all the comments, I have come to the conclusion that we as a nation has lost all values and norms of a civil society, just read some of the comments, people are actually defending this guy Khawaja Asif, no matter how a lady behaves a true gentleman ( a chivalrous, courteous, or honourable man - I am sure we have forgotten the meaning of gentleman) will always look the other side. But then hey this is Pakistan and I am expecting too much! PML(N),(Q),(F),(P) and what not, PPP, PTI, ANP, JUI, MQM and all the other parties are birds of the same flock. And we the Masoom?? Awam are no better.
kh. Asif is just illiterate as he showed time and again. People should throw out such a disrespectful person who have no respect of other especially a women. What a shameful language is this, if he could imagine someone use to his Mother Sister, such remarks, how would he feel that?
@Ibneadam he is also the power minister
@SAP Please enlighten us with proof of your allegation. What and when did IK used derogatory language????
Any member of lower or upper house represent the people of Pakistan. Party nominee is just irrelevant. If any one don,t respect any member that mean they don,t respect the people of Pakistan. Mr Khwaja Asif should be relieve from his ministerial and member ship by the speaker and party for his explicit indecent remarks against Mrs Mazari. There should be zero tolerance against that. The current dead government is becoming a problem for the arm forces. Instead of uniting the nation they create more hurdle since the panama gate issue exposed their corruption. The NAB is tooth less to bite the genuine corrupt.
@Mare Its because people voted For Imran Khan to be the Prime Minister in 2013 elections not Nawaz Shareef.
@Ahmed absolutely!
@Pokpok anyone can say anything, these people are not in government so it can't be made policy.
@NINO wishful thinking
He should resign with immediate affect or face a Senate and Parliament hearing.
The behavior of our politicians are not only confined to parliament. They always abuses to one other while they are in talk show or in press conference. It seems hardly to alter the behavior of politicians. Our politicians lack of moral and social values. It's main reason.
@Adnan. Yes you are absolutely right.
It is surprising to see the gentlemen of politics well dressed to the minutest detail have the mindset of the centuries-old culture.
Pakistani leaders simply do not know how to converse. Either they are overly polite, or down right rude. Just look and listen to B.B.C. interviewers go about their work. The interviewer's are never rude, nor polite, they simply get the work done, professionally. Now compare this with Pakistan television stations, and notice how conversation meanders, and can never come to any conclusion. Pakistani's indeed need to learn how to talk, in different circumstances, in different situations, learn to talk extempo, be more knowledgeable and spend less time in greetings.