Love her or hate her, Shireen Mazari’s exit from politics is a loss for Pakistan

Shireen Mazari’s departure from the political arena has left a void of strong women in politics, despite her being a divisive figure. While other politicians have also left the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party recently due to their involvement in the riots following Imran Khan’s arrest, Mazari’s exit has had the most significant impact.

As the former human rights minister, Mazari was known for her bold and unapologetic demeanor. From her vibrant hair to her spirited personality, she was someone who fearlessly expressed her opinions and actions. Although her tweets in the past year had become increasingly agitated and filled with conspiracy theories, she remained undeterred. She faced sexist attacks from her fellow parliamentarians, endured criticism for upholding democratic principles, and refused to pressure her daughter into voting for their own party. Mazari was a woman who refused to be intimidated by anyone. She worked on sensitive issues such as ‘missing persons’ and advocated for various laws, establishing herself as a prominent voice against human rights abuses. Her decision to exit politics during such a tumultuous period is a matter for collective reflection and regret.

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Regardless of one’s support for the PTI, the treatment of its leaders and supporters should be a cause for concern. Mazari, a staunch party supporter who was seen as unbreakable in the face of adversity, choosing to leave raises troubling questions about the space available for women in Pakistani politics, which is already quite limited.

Her departure followed five arrests and significant turmoil for her family, particularly her daughter, lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir. Imaan faced numerous social media attacks, wrongly held responsible for her mother’s political exit. It is essential to remember that Imaan, despite her legal expertise, was primarily a daughter fighting for her mother’s release, and she should not be subjected to criticism for that.

Furthermore, there have been unfavorable comparisons between PTI women leaders and Benazir Bhutto and her time in jail. Both Benazir and PTI leaders have experienced suffering in jail. Struggles should not be glorified, and neither should pain and hardship, regardless of the duration spent behind bars. No individual, including Benazir or PTI leaders today, should have to endure what she experienced. Accountability is one thing, but cruelty is entirely another.

Although our agreement with Mazari’s politics may have varied, we admired her conviction and the fact that she chose to be a warrior rather than a helpless victim. It is disheartening and discouraging for women in politics that her final act could be reduced to just another routine press conference, diminishing the impact of her warrior spirit.

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