Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi is said to have underscored the need for initiating an investigation into allegations that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan harassed lawmaker Ayesha Gulalai. The National Assembly has adopted a motion to empower the NA Speaker for constituting an in-camera special committee to probe into allegations. The motion was moved by MNA Arfa Khalid of ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in the House for its passage. The House adopted the motion with the support of ruling PML-N, its coalition partners, and opposition parties including Pakistan People's Party, Muttahida Qaumi Movement and Jamaat-e-Islami.

Although Imran has dismissed these charges as revenge for his role in last week's ouster of the then premier Nawaz Sharif, this unfortunate controversy or scandal has caused considerable damage to his image. He too is aware of the fact that the case has been splashed across domestic media, at times eclipsing the installation of Shahid Khaqan Abbasi-led cabinet. Imran is therefore required to take every possible step aimed at restoring his image.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017