PPP MNA Shazia Marri criticized Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during a parliamentary session, stating that politicians must stop using such language against female members or any woman in the country.
During a prior address in parliament, Khawaja Asif claimed that Fazlur Rehman used female lawmakers as shields. Marri spoke out against these comments on the floor of the House.
Taking the floor on a point of order during Friday's proceedings, Marri noted that the defence minister delivered very inappropriate remarks regarding women during an emotional speech the day before, according to a video shared by ARY News.
What Shazia Marri Said
"Yesterday, the defence minister, in the heat of his speech, made very inappropriate remarks about women. I condemn them," Marri told the House.
She argued that such statements deserve open condemnation regardless of political affiliation. "These were regrettable remarks. And I think that at least the honourable members of this house should refrain from using such remarks for the honourable female members or any female in Pakistan," she added.
Marri additionally informed lawmakers that female members belonging to JUI-F approached the PPP inside the Assembly regarding the situation, prompting her party to agree that the topic needed attention.
What Sparked the Row
The controversy started on Thursday when Khawaja Asif targeted JUI-F leader Fazlur Rehman inside the National Assembly.
Fazlur Rehman previously criticized Asif for remaining at home while important discussions took place in Tehran. Asif responded by stating that no defence agreement was under discussion in Tehran and explained he stayed home. He additionally challenged Fazlur Rehman's political history.
This marks another instance of Asif facing backlash over comments directed at women in parliament, following strong protests from female parliamentarians in 2023 over joint session remarks.
The recent clash unfolds amid intense arguments between the administration and JUI-F. Meanwhile, Asif stated that Pakistan will protect Saudi Arabia using full force through the Makkah defence pact.
