PAK: Woman Leader Asks Speaker to Make Eye Contact, Says “Can’t Continue If…”

A video featuring Zartaj Gul, a former minister in Imran Khan’s cabinet and a Pakistani woman leader, has gone viral on social media. In the video, she is seen urging the Speaker of the Assembly to make eye contact with her while she speaks. The clip, which has been widely shared and covered extensively by Pakistani media, shows Gul addressing the Speaker, Sadiq, during an assembly session.

In her address, Gul said, “My party leaders have taught me to speak while looking directly into the eyes. I cannot continue speaking if you avoid eye contact like this. Please wear your glasses, sir.” She emphasized that she would be unable to continue her speech if the Speaker did not look at her.

In response, Speaker Sadiq said he would listen to her but could not make eye contact with a woman, stating that it did not appear appropriate. “I will listen to you, but I cannot make eye contact with a woman as it does not appear appropriate,” he explained.

The exchange has sparked varied reactions on social media. One user humorously demanded the Indian government to broadcast the proceedings of the Pakistani parliament on Rajya Sabha TV, while another appreciated the humor and class of the interaction. Another user questioned whether the exchange would be officially recorded.

The viral video has not only captured the attention of social media users but has also prompted discussions about the appropriateness of eye contact in such formal settings and the cultural nuances influencing such interactions.