Senior Minister SharjeelInamMemon has strongly condemned the use of offensive language against women, threats to journalists, and criticisms aimed at national institutions in a speech by a provincial chief minister. Speaking in the Sindh Assembly, Memon highlighted that this behavior reflects not only the individual’s mindset but also the influence of their party leader and mentor. SharjeelMemon pointed to the history of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), accusing the party of tarnishing the country’s politics and fostering enmity.
“In the past, political differences never escalated into personal animosity,” he remarked, adding that PTI’s leadership cultivated a culture where greater use of abusive language was rewarded with higher positions. “This mentality, encouraged by PTI’s leadership, has caused a severe deterioration in political discourse,” Memon said. He contrasted the leadership offered by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) with that of PTI. “The PPP has provided Pakistan with chief ministers like AftabShaban Mirani, Syed Qaim Ali Shah, and Murad Ali Shah, while PTI brought us the likes of Buzdar and Ali Amin Gandapur,” Memon noted, emphasizing that leadership choices reflect the mentality of the party itself. Memon sharply criticized former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s remarks during his tenure, referencing an instance where Khan blamed a woman’s attire for her assault.
“It is shameful for a prime minister to hold such views,” Memon remarked, questioning Khan’s mental soundness for making such statements. Turning to PTI’s internal contradictions, Memon pointed out that while PTI members in Sindh support Gandapur’s controversial statements, other party leaders like Barrister Gohar have been apologizing to journalists. This, he said, highlights the inconsistency within the party, particularly in how it handles public controversies. Drawing comparisons with the PPP’s resilience in the face of challenges, Memon noted that PPP leaders like Asif Ali Zardari, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto endured harsh trials, including long imprisonments and even death, without undermining state institutions or promoting conspiracy theories. Memon went on to criticize PTI’s rise to power in 2018, claiming it came through a “dubious mandate.”
He accused PTI of expecting power to be handed over to them, despite their incompetence and lack of political awareness. “You were incompetent before, and you remain so because you lack genuine political acumen,” Memon said. He also referenced an article from The Times of Israel that allegedly supported Imran Khan, as well as claims made by Abdul SattarEdhi and Dr. Israr Ahmed that Imran Khan’s political rise was part of a larger conspiracy. SharjeelMemon stated that Imran Khan bears significant responsibility for the country’s current situation.
He dismissed the notion that popularity should equate to making reckless decisions, citing May 9 and the Capitol Hill riots as examples of where accountability must be applied. “Those responsible must face the consequences, and no one should be exempt,” Memon affirmed.
