Nothing could be worse than Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and representatives’ personal attacks on Ayesha Gulalai after her allegations against Imran Khan, the PTI chief, and the PTI government in KP. She has accused the PTI chief of sending her obnoxious messages for four years, and further alleged that he took no action on the complaints of corruption against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Pervaiz Khattak. These are quite serious allegations. Imran Khan and his party didn’t make it clear as to whether or not they think Gulalai was lying. Rather, he and his party have done their best to prove it as a conspiracy hatched by the PML-N against them, and maintained Gulalai was bribed with millions to run this ‘malicious’ campaign. However, the National Assembly has formed a parliamentary committee to look into the matter. We should wait for the findings to make any final conclusion on the accusations. Based on the counter-charges against Gulalai, some of the PTI followers on social media have resorted to threatening her. The revengeful behaviour is quite illogically emotional and immature. Any untoward incident would further add to the miseries of PTI and Imran Khan. I wish rationality prevails and the accused accepts the allegations gracefully and offers himself for probe. Otherwise, the accused should deny the allegations firmly and ask the accuser to prove it immediately Social and political pressure is increasing on both sides and putting a question mark on the political and moral integrity of the leaders. Mr Khan needs to learn to decently close such type of ‘cases’ instead of diverting focus by bringing forward non-issues. It would not serve the objective. The Gulalai-Khan case is not the first or the last one in politics or in our society. The only difference is Gulalai’s stand is against the alleged exploitation by a sports icon, known and worshiped for his career in cricket. There have been many such cases. But the women need great courage to speak out in a society where they will be the one blamed. It would further shrink space for women who want to work. This and many other cases can serve as an opportunity to examine various dimensions of sexual harassment. Is it only the undue aggressive approach of men or it is because of the compromising behaviour of women who believe in climbing ladder of success in quite lesser time without any hassle and long struggle? Until 1990s, we have seen gender-friendly environment everywhere, not only in politics. The male workers used to give all respect and favours to their female counterparts and colleagues without asking for any sort of favour. There may be negligible number of cases, if any. I am open to feedback and criticism in this regard. The evidently visible change in the society emerged in General Musharraf’s era when non-political elements joined the arena of politics. Right from the local governance system to the national politics, a new system of favours and favourites was introduced to replace the ‘corrupt and uneducated politicians’ with the ‘broadminded and enlightened democrats’. The ‘system’ was practiced for almost ten years. It was sufficient time period to deeply root the ‘new social and professional mannerism’. We need vigorous efforts to redo it to create more gender friendly environment, and to give courage to women to speak up loud and well on the time when any unfavourable incident happens. Not necessarily wait for the ‘right time’. I believe that almost everyone compromises on many situations for certain or uncertain benefits, but speaks out only in case when deceived or betrayed. The breach of trust is the only volatile element in any relationship. It could be personal, social, professional or political. Deception, corruption and immorality are on the rise without any discrimination of the nature of relationship. In these gloomy affairs, I wish rationality and sanity prevails. It will only be possible if the accused accepts the allegations gracefully and offers himself for probe. Otherwise, the accused should deny the allegations firmly and ask the accuser to prove it immediately. It would happen only if the accused is clean. Mr Khan should also ask his party representatives, workers and supporters to remain calm on their wishful design on attacking Gulalai and her house if he really wants his politics to grow smoothly. The writer is an Islamabad-based policy advocacy, strategic communication and outreach expert. He can be reached at devcom.pakistan@gmail.com. He tweets @EmmayeSyed Published in Daily Times, August 8th 2017.