Imran Khan Criticised For Linking Women's Attire & Rape; Ex-Wife Hits Back Saying 'Onus Is On Men'

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan linked fahashi (vulgarity) in female attire as the cause leading to increased cases of sexual violence against women, including rape.

Photos: File | Instagram/@khanjemima

Islamabad: Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is mired in a fresh controversy. This time, concerns have been raised against his comments on rape and especially what he shared to be the cause behind its increasing cases. Now his ex-wife Jemima Goldsmith has also criticised him over his opinion.

Pakistani Prime Minister linked fahashi (vulgarity) in women's attire as the cause leading to increased cases of sexual violence against women, including rape.

When asked about what his government plans to do for curbing the increasing sexual violence, he said: "The whole concept of pardah or covering up or modesty, in Islam, is to keep the temptation in check. There are many such people in society who cannot keep their willpower in check and that it had to manifest itself in some way".

As reported by news agency IANS, he went on to add that "Divorce rates have gone up by as much as 70 percent due to vulgarity in the society. There are some fights that government legislation alone could not win. The society must join in".

The comments have garnered a lot of attention with the statement being deemed 'irresponsible' and 'insensitive'.

Sharing her 2 cents on the controversy, Jemima Goldsmith has called out her ex-husband for stating women's dress and vulgarity as reasons for rising rape cases.

"Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts." Quran 24:31. The onus is on men", Jemima stated citing a verse from the Holy Quran.

Jemima revealed that the 'transformation' in his viewpoints was unexpected for her as she hoped it was a mistranslation.

"I'm hoping this is a misquote/mistranslation. The Imran I knew used to say, put a veil on the man's eyes not on the woman," she said.

The Pakistan premier had last year blamed obscenity and indecent scenes shown in Bollywood films, calling Indian national capital New Delhi - the rape capital of the world.

Will Imran Khan clarify his stance or apologise? Remains to be seen.