An inappropriate video being attributed to former lawmaker and spokesperson of PTI on legal issues Maleeka Bokhari has triggered a social media storm, causing netizens to condemn the video.
Maleeka Bokhari recently became the victim of dirty deep fake propaganda as video clips linked to her surfaced online on Sunday showing a woman in a compromising position.
Reacting to the clips, Maleeka Bokhari vowed to take action against those who promoted the “malicious filthy campaign”. She said that she made laws to protect women, yet she herself is unsafe.
Stay strong. We know you as a woman who has the strength, courage and fortitude to bounce back. Leading by example, here is #MaleekaBokhari. https://t.co/QI6UrKOKJp
— Pak Lawyers Forum (@PLF_Officials) April 23, 2023
The official handle of PTI blamed the ruling PML-N for spreading fake propaganda and attributing a picture and video of an Indian model to Maleeka Bokhari.
Read more: Objectionable videos of PMLN’s Zubair Umar leaked online
“Social media accounts linked to PML-N are spreading fake propaganda, and attributing a picture and video of an Indian model to Ms. Bokhari. Actually, it’s an Indian model who is shamelessly being portrayed as Maleeka Bokhari in a character-assassination campaign by PDM and its Lifafas,” PTI said.
🚨: Social media accounts linked to PMLN are spreading fake propaganda, and attributing a picture and video of an Indian model to @MalBokhari.
Actually it's an Indian model which is shamelessly being portrayed as Maleeka Bokhari in a character-assassination campaign by PDM and…
— PTI (@PTIofficial) April 22, 2023
As the clips triggered new debate, PTI supporters, journalists, and activists took to Twitter to express sympathy with the former Member of the National Assembly. Furthermore, #WeStandWithMaleekaBokhari is also among the top Twitter trends on Pakistani social media.
Stay safe and strong—Nation is with you—@MalBokhari
#WestandwithMaleekaBokhari pic.twitter.com/BXPJCCBE4b
— M Azhar Siddique (@AzharSiddique) April 23, 2023
I have just been informed about a malicious deepfake video campaign being waged against Maleeka Bokhari, a sisterly figure who has always remained strong and loyal to Khan during challenging times. Maleeka, stay strong and know that you can always count on us. We stand with you!
— Kamran Bangash 🇵🇰 (@kamrankbangash) April 23, 2023
I strongly condemn campaign against @MalBokhari she is a woman of substance and role model for young people. Look at her work experience and education mashallah, she will achieve more ia.
Stay strong ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/CGJY8Z3pbc— Javeria Siddique (@javerias) April 23, 2023
Impact of leaked sex videos on female politicians in Pakistan
Pertinent to mention here that Pakistani politics have descended to new levels of low as manipulated clips, pictures, and audio recordings of politicians surface online, leading to character assassination.
In conservative societies like Pakistan, where gender roles and expectations are deeply entrenched, the leakage of sex videos, even fake ones, involving female politicians could have severe consequences for their personal and political lives.
The impact could be particularly harsh for female politicians due to the existing societal stigma and discrimination against women when it comes to issues of sexuality and privacy.
Furthermore, instead of investigating the cause of such frequent leaks, the government and opposition continue to trade blame despite both sides falling victim to leaks and such propaganda which discredited them.
Read more: Petition ask FIA to take action against Dania Shah for leaked videos