PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif faced criticism for his comments about women during a rally. Without naming any party, he indirectly compared PML-N’s women supporters to those of PTI, implying that PML-N’s supporters were more respectful. Politicians and journalists condemned his remarks, and the matter was brought up in the Senate by PTI Senator Walid Iqbal. Iqbal mentioned that the late PML-N Senator Rana Maqbool, who was respected for his treatment of women, should have taught Nawaz how to respect women. The issue of sexism in Pakistan’s political system is not new, and the PML-N has been involved before. Other politicians, such as Khawaja Asif, Rana Sanaullah, and Fawad Chaudhry, have also made derogatory comments about women from other parties. However, there was one instance when the PPP took action against one of its own members for making inappropriate comments about rape.
In addition to addressing the issue of sexism, the Senate also passed a resolution condemning the state terrorism and violations of international law in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The resolution called for the prompt formation of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the human rights abuses in the region, as recommended by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. It also rejected the “fake elections” held in Indian-held Kashmir, stating that the final resolution of the Kashmir dispute should be determined through a free and impartial plebiscite under the auspices of the UN. The resolution expressed solidarity and support for the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination.