LONDON: An incident of harassment has come to light in London, involving former member of the Punjab Assembly and leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Hina Parvez Butt.
The incident, captured on video, has rapidly spread across social media platforms.
In her message on Twitter along with the video of the incident on Monday, Butt expressed her concerns over the behaviour of individuals affiliated with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. She lamented that their actions had reached an alarming extent, culminating in a physical attack against her in front of her son in London.
“Uncivilised and ill-mannered people associated with PTI have stooped so low that they assaulted, threw bottles and hurled abuses at me in the presence of my son in London,” she wrote on her Twitter handle.
The former member of the Punjab Assembly further expressed gratitude for the lessons in patience and civility instilled by her leader, Nawaz Sharif. She vowed never to forsake these values.
The video footage, now circulating on various social networking sites, has attracted commentary from both her political supporters and critics.
Meanwhile, Shaza Fatima Khawaja from the PML-N said: “There’s a difference between freedom of expression/ peaceful political protest and harassing/ attacking/ stalking people you don’t agree with.
She hoped that action would be taken against those heckling Butt to make “London a safe place for everyone to visit and live”.
Journalist Meher Bokhari said the denial of basic etiquette, respect and honour by one for others would result in the same for them.
“It is a loss for all of us,” she added.
The journalist questioned why Butt should have to face such behaviour when she had the right to be associated with any party of her choice.
“Will it be right to treat a PTI MPA in this manner? Absolutely not. And if that’s not right, why is this?” she added.
Anchor Absa Komal said the hecklers’ behaviour showed their “political training” and brought disrepute for the country.
“Hina’s son was harassed alongside her, which shows that there is politics of hatred and discrimination here.”
Later, Butt thanked the people for condemning the incidents, saying that the matter was not about her but the country’s reputation.
