New Delhi

Jemima Goldsmith, the British-born first and the former wife of the trice married Imran Khan, has joined the growing tribe of people expressing their disgust and shock at the Pakistani Prime Minister’s insensitive remarks on the causes of sexual violence and rape and advocating ‘purdah’ as a remedy.

Jemima Goldsmith reacted to an article in UK’s Daily Mail on Khan’s remarks made during his online interaction with the public. He was asked as to what his government is doing to check the rising incidents of sexual violence in the country, especially against children.

In reply Khan hit out at what he called 'vulgarity' in societies around the world - singling out India's Bollywood and the 'sex, drugs and rock and roll' culture of England in the 70s as examples - saying that is to blame for the moral decline and that in turn leads to sexual assaults.

While replying to a caller, he also praised the Islamic concept of purdah as an antidote to the falling moral standards of the society and said it’s important to 'control temptation,’

London-based Jemima Goldsmith took to Twitter to reply to Khan. She quoted Quran’s specific suras to tell him that it’s the men who are also supposed to restraint their eyes and temptations:

She wrote “Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts." Quran 24:31

The Onus is on men.

“Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts." Quran 24:31

The onus is on men. https://t.co/StkKE3HIPM

— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 7, 2021

Jemima Goldsmith Khan’s ex-wife and with whom he had two children was married to him for nine years. During her marriage, she would cover her head in public. After their amicable separation, she lives in London with their two sons.

She continued to badger Khan on Twitter and said:

I'm hoping this is a misquote/ mistranslation. The Imran I knew used to say, "Put a veil on the man's eyes not on the woman." https://t.co/NekU0QklnL

— Jemima Goldsmith (@Jemima_Khan) April 7, 2021

I'm hoping this is a misquote/ mistranslation. The Imran I knew used to say, "Put a veil on the man's eyes not on the woman."

After their divorce Jemima had dropped Khan surname she had taken after her marriage to the ex-cricketer who enjoyed the image of a playboy on the western world as a famous cricketer.

However, Jemima has always shown support for Khan's political career and was thrilled when he became Prime Minister.

Khan’s second wife Rehma Khan who also lives in the UK  also reacted on Twitter to Pakistani PM's remarks on the causes of sexual violence. Reacting to an Associated Press story about the backlash against PM from rights groups across Pakistan, Rehma advised Khan:

The less he speaks the better it will be for all

The less he speaks the better it will be for all. https://t.co/OOpQTqfeAd

— Reham Khan (@RehamKhan1) April 7, 2021

In reply to Jemima Goldsmith's Twitter post, former diplomat Husain Haqqani also criticised Khan and said:

Nah! It is the same Imran Khan who, after attending Oxford himself and with his sons studying where their mother lives, criticizes Pakistanis who send their kids to study in England. Also, the same Imran who supports Taliban, refuses to acknowledge his daughter, Tyrian & more Man shrugging

Nah! It is the same Imran Khan who, after attending Oxford himself and with his sons studying where their mother lives, criticizes Pakistanis who send their kids to study in England. Also, the same Imran who supports Taliban, refuses to acknowledge his daughter, Tyrian & more 🤷🏻‍♂️ https://t.co/cWNMZEEhIz

— Husain Haqqani (@husainhaqqani) April 7, 2021

Imran Khan has said 'World history tells when you increase fahashi (vulgarity) in society, two things happen: sex crimes increase and the family system breaks down.”

'This entire concept of purdah (covering up or segregating) is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it.'

He added that while his government will introduce legislation to protect women from attacks, it is up to the whole of society to help by preserving modesty.