Imran Khan faces investigation for ‘harassing woman’

PAKISTAN’S new prime minister has called for an investigation into allegations that Imran Khan, the opposition leader, harassed a woman politician.

Shahid Khaqan Abbasi yesterday told the National Assembly he wanted a special panel to examine the charges, which the former World Cup-winning cricketer has dismissed as revenge for his role in the ousting of then-premier Nawaz Sharif.

A social media backlash threatening violence against Ayesha Gulalai, who is Mr Khan’s accuser, has also exposed raw nerves about the treatment of women in Pakistan.

The case has been splashed across domestic media, at times eclipsing the installation of a new cabinet led by Mr Abbasi, Sharif ’s ally, as prime minister.

“We respect the person who made the accusation, but we also respect the accused, and it is their right to contest these allegations,” said Mr Abbasi.

Ms Gulalai claimed Mr Khan sent her “inappropriate messages”, adding she was unsurprised at online threats, because “if you’re a woman, you hardly find anyone to stand by you”.