Minister for Human Rights, Shireen Mazari, slammed her daughter Imaan Mazari for supporting black magic accusation against PM Imran Khan made by journalist Asma Shirazi in her article for BBC Urdu.
The journalist had penned down some scathing remarks against Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding the ongoing economic crisis and ostensibly targeted the first lady as well in her closing remarks.
“Whether the black goats are beheaded or the blood of pigeons is shed, the puppets are hung or the needles are pricked, the economy is not going to recover while the demands of the economy are demanding change,” wrote Asma Shirazi in her article.
I reiterate my stance: a robust opposition & a strong media w/its genuine criticism & constructive ideas are integral to keep a govt on its toes. But: attacking PM Khan's religious beliefs & targeting his apolitical wife w/ outrageous allegations of black magic is just despicable
— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) October 20, 2021
اب کالے بکرے سرِ دار چڑھیں یا کبوتروں کا خون بہایا جائے، پُتلیاں لٹکائی جائیں یا سوئیاں چبھوئی جائیں، معیشت یوں سنبھلنے والی نہیں جبکہ معیشت کے تقاضے تبدیلی کا مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں۔
عاصمہ شیرازی کا کالم
کہانی بڑے گھر کی۔
BBC News اردو https://t.co/lVSWVD1Jel— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) October 19, 2021
Her comments ensued a barrage of criticism as leading cabinet members jumped in to confront Asma Shirazi for leveling baseless accusations against PM Imran Khan.
PTI parliamentarians have voiced their strong disapproval and have said that they will not participate in her shows. Meanwhile, a score of journalists has expressed solidarity with Asma Shirazi. Many within the field have condemned the comments of Shirazi of maligning Bushra Bibi with allegations of black magic and targeting PM Imran Khan for his religious beliefs.
I am ashamed you would resort to such low personalised unsubstantiated attacks esp since as a lawyer u shd know without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation. When all substantive issue-based criticism fails this level of a base personal attack is plain shameful. https://t.co/drbLN5bq9w
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) October 20, 2021
پارٹی چئیرمین اور وزیراعظم عمران خان اور خاندان پر ذاتی حملے اور الزامات کی جانبدار صحافت کرنے پر آئندہ سے عاصمہ شیرازی کے شو کا حصہ نہیں بنوں گا
— Mian Mahmood Ur Rasheed (@Mian_MUR) October 20, 2021
I stand with #asmashirazi and condemn those targeting her for her opinion.
— Matiullah Jan (@Matiullahjan919) October 20, 2021
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However, among the advocates of Asma Shirazi is the daughter of Shireen Mazari. “If the country was to be run by witchcraft, then why is the money of this nation being wasted on such a large cabinet. The country is being ridiculed with sorcery and you don’t even want to talk about sorcerers. That will never happen,” wrote Imaan Mazari
Responding to her, Shireen Mazari said: “I am ashamed you would resort to such low personalized unsubstantiated attacks esp since as a lawyer u shd know without any proof hurling such accusations is defamation. When all substantive issue-based criticism fails this level of a base personal attack is plain shameful,” wrote Shireen Mazari.
Social media is divided as online diatribe takes over Twitter. Both the groups are running trends against each other, exchanging unpleasant comments.