Kh Asif apologizes to NA over ‘derogatory’ remarks

Jun 10, 2016 Top Stories 0

ISLAMABAD: A day after giving derogatory remarks against Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Shireen Mazari in the National Assembly, Minister for Water & Power Khawaja Asif sent an apology letter to NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday.

Khawaja Asif earned opposition lawmakers ire for referring to Shireen Mazari as a “tractor trolley” and calling her voice masculine after she interrupted his briefing on the loadshedding situation.

Asifs apology was read out by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in the National Assembly today.

The letter states: It seems that I allowed some of my remarks and conduct to be determined by hacklers from across the aisle, which I regret. My behavior was improper for a political worker whose family has been blessed by Allah almighty and the people of the constituency with the membership of this august house for over five decades. My apologies to the chair and this august house.

Shireen Mazari, however, refused to accept the apology, stating that the PML-N MNAs vulgar remarks were personal and he should come to the floor of the house to apologise himself.

Meanwhile, women lawmakers staged walkout from the house in protest.

Later, Khawaja Asif appeared on the floor of the house and personally tendered an unconditional apology to the National Assembly but refused to mention Shireen Mazaris name, stating that he didnt name anyone during yesterdays outburst.

He said that on the one hand they raise their voice in support of gender equality but on other hand they start using it as a refuge whenever situation goes out of control.

Shireen Mazari was adamant that Asif must apologise to her personally.