Rape is no laughing matter and is not an appropriate metaphor for political discussions. Recently, a video of PPP politician Nabil Gabol’s insensitive comments on rape resurfaced on Twitter, causing outrage. In the video, Gabol uses the example of rape to describe being dominated by the opposition, making offensive statements such as “when rape is imminent, just enjoy it.”
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, Fatima Bhutto, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Nighat Dad, activists for human rights, condemned the remarks as “repulsive” and “sick” via Twitter. The PPP has not yet responded to Gabol’s remarks.
On Monday, Dad shared the clip on Twitter, calling it “deeply troubling and unacceptable” and stating that such behavior is offensive and perpetuates harmful attitudes towards sexual violence.
The video comes from The Pakistan Experience podcast, where Gabol comments offensively during an interview with Shehzad Ghias. Politicians must be held accountable for their words and actions, especially when they hold influential positions. Furthermore, the casual use of rape as a joke or reference is abhorrent and disrespectful to survivors of sexual violence, undermining efforts to combat this horrific crime.
Several prominent figures, including Senator Anny Marri and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari, have distanced themselves from Gabol’s views, stating that they do not represent their party’s stance. In addition, Twitter users call for the politician to be held accountable for offensive remarks.
Joking about rape is never acceptable, as it is a serious offense with lasting consequences for victims. We must treat this subject with the gravity it deserves and avoid using it carelessly in conversations.
