The upcoming elections are creating a lot of hype not only on ground but also on social media. We are hopeful that a smooth electoral process would take place for the third time in Pakistan.
The excitement is visible from drawing room discussions to television talk shows, and social media posts; however along with this ‘trolls’ have can be seen in action! Social media teams of all political parties are in a race to promote their successes and spreading hate against other parties. While people are airing their misogynist views about women and belittling the opponents.
In the last month a number of incidents have surfaced that should be analyzed in the light of Prevention of Electronic Crime Act (PECA) 2016.
Shaikh Rasheed and Armeena Khan’s tussle
Shaikh Rasheed, Head of Awami Muslim League made derogatory remarks for the film on a live TV program about the Film industry and Rehman Khan (ex-wife of Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf’s chairman Imran Khan). In a conversation with Sachi Baat With SK Niazi on Roze TV on June 17 he said that a thousand prostitutes are better than Reham Khan and said film industry actors and actresses were prostitutes.
These words were not taken well by Armeena Khan an actress known for speaking out her thoughts irrespective of what others think, responded by saying “Who is this man? Why is he using such abusive language against the #filmindustry? And more importantly why is such obscene language allowed on mainstream television?”
She added, “Imagine, people like him are leaders.”
She even referred to UK politics by saying, “I am embarrassed for this man. I mean, how do you just sit there and make such statements without realizing the wider ramifications. It chills me to the bone. I mean is he educated? What background does he come from? In the UK, he wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near public office.”
However later she removed those tweets, the reason for this is not clear.
Passing insulting remarks against women is nothing new however when it comes to politicians hardly anyone speaks against them. Armeena did take a stand however later withdrew her tirade inexplicably.
Shaikh Rasheed’s utterances fall under Hate Speech according to the PECA Chapter 1 clause 10, and PEMRA should also look into this as it was on live TV.
Campaign against Kalsoom Nawaz
On the other hand, a widespread campaign is ongoing against Kalsoom Nawaz, wife of Ex PM Nawaz Sharif and mother of Maryam Nawaz on social media.
Kalsoom Nawaz who is in England for a couple of months now due to her treatment for Cancer, has been the target of a campaign against her and the family especially related to rumors she is dead and the family is hiding her death to gain voter sympathy. This campaign is ethically and legally wrong. A number of pictures also popped up on social media showing that she has died, which was a breach of privacy.
Examples:
https://twitter.com/RashidShams4/status/1010175480375463937
https://twitter.com/waila1no/status/1009374828107837440
https://twitter.com/ShafaitSheikh/status/1010192776191934464
Such videos and pictures do not only harass the family but also spread speculations among the general publics. According to PECA such campaigns can be taken to task.
Harassment against Activist
Since last year a number of cases have surfaced where some bloggers and activists have disappeared. Gul Bukhari a journalist known for criticizing the Military disappeared for a few hours is a recent incident. Her views gained her a large number of people trolling her on social media.
Someone called Mursaleen, a student of NUST and reportedly a PTI supporter, Tweeted right after her disappearance that he wanted to rape her but due to an uproar on social media NUST demanded an apology from him. He tweeted “I apologize for my remarks against Gul Bukhari, and for the anguish caused. My expression and choice of words were unacceptable. I shall be counseled by NUST Centre for Counseling & Career Advisory, and undergo mandatory community service so as to develop respect for women.”
https://twitter.com/mursaleenpti/status/1005036870043136001
Gul Bukhari also responded to this and tweeted, “Thank you for your apology. You are probably young enough to be my son. I do pray to God that you never wish sexual torture on any woman, leave alone on a woman old enough to be your mother. My sincere prayers for your future. God bless.”
https://twitter.com/GulBukhari/status/1005096932187009024
This incident is a classic example of how raising your voice against injustice and sexual harassment, can be highlighted and get the powerful machinery running.
Imran Khan’s visit to Pakpattan
A video of Imran Khan and his wife has gone viral over the last few days showing both bowing down at the steps of Fareed ud Din Ganj Shakar’s shrine at Pakpattan, stirring a debate on social media. A number of people started to post memes ridiculing Imran Khan, while a number of people started to remind Imran Khan how he was crossing the lines of a ‘true’ Muslim. Another group of people started saying Imran is following what his wife is asking him to do, only because he wants to become the Prime Minister at any cost. While some even reminded him how hypocrite as a leader he was,
https://twitter.com/jawadahmadone/status/1012635831180414976
https://twitter.com/StereoWrite_/status/1012654057150865408
https://twitter.com/SALSIKandar/status/1012394105110978560
It is time people are more aware of their rights and duties as social media users. Freedom of speech does not mean promoting or supporting hate speech or threats. Let Elections 2018 be a healthy exercise in the battle of thrones instead of slit throat competition.
Author: Umaima Ahmed
Umaima Ahmed is a print media journalist with over five years of experience. An Activist for Digital rights, Minorities and the Transgender community, she writes on related issues. Travelled and spent time abroad she now resides in Lahore trying to make a difference in the life of marginalised communities. She tweets at @umaimablogger
