ISLAMABAD : In a sharp critique of online political discourse, Mahmood Khan Achakzai, a central leader of the opposition alliance, publicly censured Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) social media team for engaging in disrespectful and misogynistic rhetoric. He issued a stern call for digital decorum and respect for women across party lines.
The rebuke came following widespread reports of abusive and gender-targeted harassment originating from anonymous accounts linked to PTI’s online supporters. Expressing deep regret over these actions, Achakzai emphasized the universal values of familial honor and respect.
“It cannot be that you respect your own mothers and sisters but disrespect others’ mothers and sisters on social media,” Achakzai stated, as reported by a national TV channel. He appealed directly to PTI workers active on digital platforms, irrespective of their location—including those operating from abroad—to immediately cease such behavior.
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“These people should think that we also have mothers and sisters, so we should respect others’ mothers and sisters,” he asserted, framing the issue as a matter of fundamental human decency. The veteran politician linked the sanctity of private life with public conduct online, arguing, “If we do not want the sanctity of our own homes to be violated, we should also be mindful of the honor of others.”
The statement highlights growing concern over the toxic nature of political debate on Pakistani social media, where gendered insults and attacks on family members are frequently weaponized to intimidate opponents. Achakzai’s intervention is a rare direct address from a senior political figure targeting the conduct of a rival party’s digital wing, underscoring the severity of the problem.
As of now, there has been no official response from the PTI leadership regarding these specific allegations. The appeal sets a benchmark for civil discourse, challenging all political actors to enforce ethical boundaries in the increasingly influential and volatile digital political arena.
