ISLAMABAD: Pakistan National Assembly has decided to form a special committee to probe sexual harassment charges against opposition leader Imran Khan. Levelled by member of the assembly and lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai, of Imran's Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party. She said Khan had hinted towards tying the knot in texts sent to her, which also included lewd messages.
The allegations have been rejected by Khan, who blamed the ruling PML-N for the scandal. “This is the tried and tested method of the PML-N,” he said. PTI rejected the demand for a bi-partisan parliamentary committee, and a party member said, “We will not accept the committee of our political rivals. We are ready for the probe but investigation on the issue must be transparent.” Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi called for a special panel to look into the allegations, suggesting the panel present a report before the House so “the matter can be closed”.
“Both the PTI chief and Gulalai are respectable personalities, therefore, a committee should be formed to probe the allegations,” Abbasi said in the assembly. He added that Khan had the “right to defend himself”. Abbasi also promised round-the-clock protection for Gulalai, after she claimed she was scared for her life. The assembly later passed the motion and directed the panel to submit its report in a month.
Ayesha had accused Khan and his “gang” of “ill-treatment” of women, citing it to be the reason for quitting the party. He claimed that the leader's conduct was “highly indecent” and referred to the alleged “objectionable” text messages she has been receiving from him since October 2013. When asked about the nature of the alleged indecent text messages, she said, “No one with any honour will be able to stomach the sort of language used. May be they think Pakistan is England. At this age, you (Imran) have not been able to reform your habits, maybe you do not have control over your behaviour.”
The lawmaker also accused Imran of being insecure. “I think Imran Khan has issues because he is jealous of talented people. He thinks they are a threat. Because of this, many men run from him. He has other methods with women,” she said.
