EVEN for a political culture where rape apologists repeatedly air their misogynistic views, PPP leader Nabeel Gabol’s recent remarks have set a low bar. While being interviewed on a podcast, Mr Gabol used the analogy of rape to talk about being overpowered by the opposition and added, disturbingly, that “when rape is imminent, just enjoy it”.

In another podcast, he nonchalantly spoke of simply picking up women that caught his eye: their lack of consent is clearly implied. Mr Gabol should know that this is the language of criminals, specifically of rapists, for whom women are simply there for the taking.

To speak lightly of sexual assault in a country where rape is hugely underreported because of perceived stigma, where horrific cases of children being raped and murdered emerge on an almost daily basis, deserves to be condemned across the board. And so it was: in fact, the storm of condemnation that his words ignited on social media was not restricted to rights activists and other members of the public.

His own party called him out on his stance, while Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari also denounced his rhetoric as “repulsive”. The PPP then issued a show-cause notice to Mr Gabol asking him to explain his remarks within three days, failing which disciplinary action would be taken against him.

Mr Gabol has since issued his rather sorry excuse of an apology which is typical of those who cannot understand, even upon reflection, why their behaviour was unacceptable.

On Twitter, he followed up by decrying rights activists who, he says, did not have such harsh words for Imran Khan when he aired his views on rape. That is manifestly untrue.

Mr Khan’s blinkered musings about rape, particularly his victim-blaming, were roundly condemned by all and sundry — except for members of his own party, whether male or female.

When stereotypes about sexual violence are propagated by people who can influence public opinion, political affiliations should be irrelevant.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2023