Years after their divorce, Bushra Bibi’s ex husband Khawar Maneka has leveled some serious allegations against her that attempt to taint her character. While appearing on Shahzeb Khanzada’s Talk Show, he highlighted various details of their divorce, children and her marriage to former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Apart from questioning the legality of Bushra Bibi’s subsequent marriage to Ex PM Imran Khan, he also insinuated to her being a bad mother and blamed the Ex PM for their divorce.
Criticism has been voiced against this style of journalism, with many questioning the necessity of featuring Khawar Maneka on a political talk show. Concerns have been also raised about the relevance of Bushra Bibi’s personal life to Pakistan’s political landscape.
Numerous netizens have pointed out that such revelations underscore the ingrained sexism and misogyny in both our societal fabric and journalism.
How the mighty have fallen from the grace #ShahzebKhanzada
— Ali Arqam (@AliArqam) November 20, 2023
Don’t forget to publicly humiliate a women that too sitting on a National Tv, where you’ve the full authority to speak about the genocide happening in Gaza.
Never mind the human life and bloodshed happening across the world. It’s too far anyway.#Gaza_Genocide #ShahzebKhanzada
— Rabia Shahid (@raw_bya) November 21, 2023
Each day, mainstream Punjab dominant journalism is increasingly declining in quality and ethics.#ShahzebKhanzada shame on you. https://t.co/41qkZxFVQm
— Dr Shah Alam Solangi (@DrSolangiAlam) November 21, 2023
Shahzeb Khanzada is the Jerry Springer of Pakistan.#shahzebkhanzada #KhawarManeka #ImranKhan #Pakistan
— Sara Taseer (@sarataseer) November 21, 2023
Pakistan is currently a victim of moral decline, and the way we are exposing each other’s personal lives in the media is painful, if we do not separate politics from personal life, perhaps our future generations will never forgive us.#shahzebkhanzada
— 🇪🇭Khurram Dilawar Ch🇪🇭 (@khurram333) November 21, 2023
The objectification of women for political advantage is not a novel occurrence. Though these accusations are directed at a prominent figure associated with PTI, Maryam Nawaz, affiliated with PML-N, has consistently endured gendered politics as well. She has been subjected to unwarranted abuses through memes and tweets, with politicians often making her gender a focal point in their speeches.
Regrettably, what makes it unfortunate is that even in this situation those who find such tactics repugnant and unsettling are, in turn, employing the same strategy of using women in their arguments instead of scrutinizing the objectivity and biases of the individuals involved.
