Marriyum Aurangzeb faces backlash over call to ‘behead Imran’

ISLAMABAD: A recent statement made by Secretary Information PML-N Marriyum Aurangzeb has sparked outrage and condemnation, highlighting the divisive and inflammatory rhetoric that continues to permeate the country’s political landscape.

Marriyum, during a press conference, said that PTI founder Imran Khan and his party members should have been beheaded in 2014.

“When the Chinese president was arriving in Pakistan, this fitna should have been addressed at that time. His head should have been beheaded,” PML-N leader can be seen in video clips shared by netizens.

Kamran Yousaf, a senior journalist, took to X to express his dismay over Marriyum’s statement, emphasising that violent rhetoric has no place in political discourse. He urged individuals to express their opinions without resorting to such inflammatory language.

Similarly, Imran Afzal Raja, a social media commentator, denounced the remarks, labelling the PML-N as a “terrorist party” and questioning the morality of advocating violence against political opponents.

Read also: PTI dead set on ‘May 9 agenda’: Marriyum

Mehr Tarar, another vocal critic of Marriyum’s statement, condemned the PML-N’s leadership for promoting a narrative of “brutal vengeance.” She asserted that such rhetoric represents a moral and political defeat for the party, emphasising the need for constructive dialogue and engagement.

International voices also weighed in on the controversy, with Ryan Grim, an American journalist, highlighting the alarming nature of the comments. He underscored the need for political parties to refrain from inciting violence and instead focus on constructive policy solutions.

Virk Shahzaib, echoing the sentiments of many, expressed shock and disbelief at Marriyum’s call for violence, describing it as criminal and dangerous.

Jehanzeb Paracha, in a scathing rebuke of the PML-N, accused the party of promoting a “mafia” mentality and condemned Aurangzeb’s remarks as unacceptable and reckless.

The uproar over the PML-N leader’s statement has reignited debates about the need for responsible and respectful political discourse in Pakistan. Critics argue that violent rhetoric not only undermines democratic principles but also fosters a culture of intolerance and division.