Nabil Gabol, a Pakistani politician and member of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), has come under fire after a string of misogynistic comments surfaced on social media.
The politician has been heard making various disturbing comments on numerous podcasts, which have caused outrage among many.
Mr. Nabil Gabol, RAPE is Not a JOKE!
In one particular podcast, Gabol was seen discussing sexual abuse, stating that “there is a saying in English: if rape is imminent, just enjoy it.”
When the host disputed this, Gabol defended his statement, claiming that if one can endure rape, they should enjoy it; otherwise, they should stand their ground and raise their voice against it. He further claimed that if one endures rape, they get used to it, which is unacceptable.
Nabil Gabol’s comments have sparked outrage on Twitter, with many calling him out for his insensitive remarks. One user referred to Gabol as having “the sickest mind ever,” while others criticized him for promoting rape culture and victim blaming.
In another podcast, Nabil Gabol was heard asking for the contact details of social media sensation Ayesha (Mera Dil Yeh Pukare Aaja) suggestively. This comment has also drawn condemnation, with many calling it inappropriate and disrespectful.
So few days all the in and out of closet jiyalas were hailing PPP for removing a random sm activist for posting a misogynistic tweet. Here is Nabeel Gabol uttering absolute filth about a woman here, but he won’t be kicked out he will he given MNA ticket pic.twitter.com/ZG35qr3jwV
— Asad Sultan (@AsadSultan18) April 1, 2023
Women’s Right to Choose Their Spouse is a Fundamental Human Right
Moreover, in yet another video, Nabil Gabol was seen boasting about his ability to get whomever he wants. He claimed that while people from Karachi keep their emotions bottled up and release them in the bathroom, people like him can simply get whoever they want. This comment has also been criticized for its blatant display of arrogance and disrespect towards women.
PPP leader Nabeel Gabol bragging about picking up, abducting any girl that he likes, insinuating something that I can't even write here. pic.twitter.com/f7Ujuy74mk
— OSINT Insider (@OSINT_Insider) April 2, 2023
As a result, Gabol and the PPP have faced backlash from many Twitter users, including political figures such as Fatima Bhutto and Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari. Fatima Bhutto took to Twitter to express her disgust, stating, “Utter filth. Nabil Gabol exposes the absolute criminal mindset of Sindh’s government.
Utter filth. Nabil Gabol exposes the absolute criminal mindset of Sindh’s government. He has done nothing for Lyari, for the people he supposedly represents, and laughs while talking of such violence. Horrendous. https://t.co/rlRwiNoO6P
— fatima bhutto (@fbhutto) April 3, 2023
He has done nothing for Lyari, for the people he supposedly represents, and laughs while talking of such violence. Horrendous.” Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari also condemned Gabol’s remarks, emphasizing that they do not represent the party’s stance on women’s rights and protection.
His (repulsive) rhetoric belongs to his individual only & is in noway a representation of our party. Incase it wasn’t already abundantly obvious- we absolutely & unequivocally stand for the rights & protection of women. Misogyny has no space in our religion nor our party. https://t.co/aFsDF8DjXA
— Bakhtawar B-Zardari (@BakhtawarBZ) April 3, 2023
The incident has also sparked a wider conversation on the prevalence of sexual violence and harassment in Pakistan. According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), over 5,200 rapes were reported in the country in 2021, with a conviction rate of less than 3%. These statistics highlight the urgent need for greater awareness and action to tackle the issue of sexual violence in the country.
Deeply troubling and unacceptable for politicians like Nabeel Gabol to make light of rape. Such behavior is not only insensitive and offensive but also perpetuates harmful and dangerous attitudes towards sexual violence. @PPP_Org @BBhuttoZardari pic.twitter.com/01Z5GCfSWc
— Nighat Dad (@nighatdad) April 2, 2023
The incident involving Gabol has also raised questions about the role of political leaders in promoting respect and equality for women. Political figures need to lead by example and use their platform to promote positive change in society.
Gabol’s comments and behaviour are not only unacceptable but also demonstrate a lack of understanding and empathy towards victims of sexual violence and harassment.
In response to the incident, some Twitter users have called for Gabol to be held accountable for his actions and for the PPP to take action against him. Others have emphasized the importance of educating men and boys about consent and respect for women to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
Another Twitter user wrote, “Hum jazbaat dil mein nahi rakhte. Jo pasand aagayi uthaaliya – Nabil Gabol proudly talks about getting women picked up without their consent, asks for the number of a minor KID like a pervert but yet dares to say, “You have a dirty mind” to someone else.”
"Hum jazbaat dil mein nahi rakhte. Jo pasand aagayi uthaaliya"
Nabil Gabol proudly talks about getting women picked up without their consent, asks for the number of a minor KID like a pervert but yet has the audacity to say "YoU HaVe DiRtY MiNd" to someone else https://t.co/KHhkC8RqQO
— Syed Zain Raza (@SydZainRaza) April 2, 2023