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The cricketer-turned-politician faced the ire of the Twitterati after his remarks made in a TV interview
Updated : Jun 18, 2018, 04:05 PM IST
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan was criticised on the social media after his comment that he disagrees with the "Western concept of feminism which has degraded the role of a mother."
The cricketer-turned-politician faced the ire of the Twitterati after his remarks made in a TV interview.
"A mother has biggest influence on a person. A real mother, that is. I completely disagree with this Western concept, this feminist movement, it has degraded the role of a mother. When I was growing up my mother had the most impact on me," Khan had said.
Social media users hit back, calling his remarks as anti-women. Khan was criticised for his lack of knowledge of the ideology and movement.
"Imran Khan's views on feminism show his utter lack of understanding of the issue. He should ensure he is better briefed or not speak on issues he has little knowledge and awareness of," one Twitter user wrote.
Another Twitter user said: "Feminists have never degraded motherhood, they have celebrated it. They have spoken on the rights of a mother, her need for daycares, maternity leaves, her reproductive health rights and the double burden she faces due to unpaid carework."
"Feminism is literally what secured paid maternity leave for mothers in most of Europe and the world (so they could better care for their children), but I guess it's more useful to spout ignorant anti-feminist rhetoric to pander to your conservative base," on tweet said.
"#Feminism has never looked down on motherhood. Feminists have worked in every country to create paid leave and laws to protect mothers & safety nets so mothers don't leave work to care for kids. Educate yourself #ImranKhan @ImranKhanPTI," another user slammed Khan.
The feminism movement in the West has 'degraded' the role of a mother Imran Khan? Really?! #PTI pic.twitter.com/UwIpEeADil
— Bilal Farooqi (@bilalfqi) June 17, 2018
Feminists have never defraded motherhood, they have celebrated it. They have spoken on the rights of a mother, her need for daycares, maternity leaves, her reproductive healthe rights and the double burden she faces due to unpaid carework. https://t.co/zl3oiYduuW
— Aimen Bucha (@AimenBucha) June 17, 2018
Feminism is literally what secured paid maternity leave for mothers in most of Europe and the world (so they could better care for their children), but I guess it's more useful to spout ignorant anti-feminist rhetoric to pander to your conservative base. https://t.co/bLaUxXWxVN
— Ammar Rashid (@AmmarRashidT) June 17, 2018
Imran Khan's views on feminism show his utter lack of understanding of the issue. He should ensure he is better briefed or not speak on issues he has little knowledge and awareness of.
— Abbas Nasir (@abbasnasir59) June 17, 2018
If Imran Khan thinks motherhood is the most cherished and valuable role for women, maybe PTI could’ve worked to make life better for mothers and not opposed the 2016 Protection Against Domestic Violence Bill so much.
— Amna Khan (@amnaukhan) June 17, 2018
Twitter today: An army of not terribly well read folk, who have never been west of Sargodha, lecturing us on the shortcomings of motherhood in the West
— Talat Aslam (@titojourno) June 17, 2018
Meanwhile, Khan is also facing another controversy at home with his ex-wife Reham Khan coming up with an explosive autobiography ahead of the July general elections.
Media reports suggest that the book talks about Imran Khan's affairs, his treatment of Reham and his political life.
An overseas Pakistani, Reham Khan married ex-cricketer and politician Imran Khan in January 2015. The marriage ended on October 30, 2015 in a divorce.