There is no place in Pakistan for men who do not consider women their equals

The acrimonious display of chauvinism by Hafiz Hamdullah in a talk show is rightfully being condemned in all quarters of the media. However, we need to go a little further in examining this overt manifestation of a rot that is deeply entrenched in our midst.

To start off, Hafiz Hamdullah’s failed attempts at intimidating and shouting down Marvi Sermid are a continuation of his past behaviour during televised debates. It also seems the pious senator reserves the worst of his bullying for the fairer sex. And this is the crux of the issue - I believe the honourable Hafiz was apoplectic not because he was being challenged but because it was a woman who was standing up to him.

He seemed incensed that Ms Sermid was not yielding to his commands. His extremely sexist expletive and threats to summarily disrobe Ms Sermid are a further confirmation of his shameless misogyny and the cause of his anger.

It would be easy to dismiss Hamdullah’s behaviour as an isolated instance; unfortunately it is anything but. Khwaja Asif’s tasteless insult of Shireen Mazari and the Council of Islamic Ideology’s vacuous proclamations regarding treatment of women are recent examples of how women are viewed by too many in Pakistan.

Something repellent has, for far too long, been stalking the nation in the guise of religiosity and patriotism. If we do not hold those nurturing and perpetuating regressive social mechanisms accountable they will continue to block all avenues to civil liberties for women and minorities.

Ms Sermid set an example worth emulating. In refusing to submit to bullying and elaborating on the incident on social media she exposed Hafiz Hamdullah’s true nature.

I've just undergone a very traumatic experience at a News One program (Nadia Mirza Show) when Hafiz Hamdullah of JUIF got angry (1/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

on a comment by Barrister masroor. On my turn, I started by saying "I agree with Masroor sahib to the extent that" and here Hamdullah (2/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

and went on and on with his arrogance and rudeness. I responded in almost the same coin. And that's when he started 3/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

abusing me with worst possible expletives. Called me a whore and said "tumhaari shalwaar utaar dooN ga aur tumhaari maaN ki bhi". (4/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

I returned this to his own family women. And then he tried to beat me. All of this recorded in camera. (5/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

Fayaz ul Hassan Chauhan held him so his punches don't reach me. He had to be taken away by the News One security.
(6/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

And this religious merchant Hafiz Hamdullah was fasting while he did all this!
(7/n)

— Marvi Sirmed (@marvisirmed) June 10, 2016

There is no place in a liberated self-respecting country for those men who do not consider women their equals. These self-appointed sentinels of faith and country must be exposed for the protectors of misogyny and ignorance that they are.

Let us all follow the example of Ms Sermid and not give an inch to those who would dictate morals to others and not have the common decency to unequivocally condemn and oppose a crime as monstrous as honour killings.

Ms Sermid has been shot at, harrassed and her character repeatedly attacked. Despite all this she has continued to raise a voice for women and minority rights. Not only is she more courageous than her opponents she is far more faithful to her values as well.