HRCP 'revolted by Shahbaz Gill's crass choice of words' for MNA Ramesh Kumar

• HRCP condemns SAPM Shahbaz Gill's verbal abuse of PTI MNA Ramesh Kumar.
• Says the incident doesn't represent freedom of expression in any way.
• Censures TV anchor for "brushing aside the abuse as Gill's temper".

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Thursday condemned SAPM Dr Shahbaz Gill's use of foul language towards PTI MNA Ramesh Kumar, saying that the commission "is revolted by Gill's crass choice of words."

In a recent incident, Shahbaz Gill lost his cool and repeatedly used profanities against Kumar on live TV.

Taking notice of the matter, the HRCP released a statement on Twitter, saying that the incident does not represent freedom of expression in any way.

It also criticised the anchor of the TV show for ignoring such a serious matter, terming it "Gill's temper".

"What should have been a civilized debate on a politically critical issue crumbled into a litany of abuse. This is no way represents freedom of expression and anchor Kamran Shahid should not have brushed the abuse aside as ‘Mr Gill’s temper,'" the statement read.

"With the media already hemmed in on so many fronts, we cannot afford to let the office of the editor and anchor become bait rather than direction."

Shahbaz Gill verbally abuses Kumar on live TV

During an interview with Dunya News related to the ongoing political situation in the country, Gill couldn't control his anger and started verbally abusing Kumar, calling him a "corrupt person".

He also repeatedly used abusive words against Kumar, paying no heed to the fact that he was speaking on national television.

Earlier in the day, Kumar had severed ties with the PTI, saying that he is "no longer associated with the party," Geo News had reported.

Kumar had also claimed that "three federal ministers have quit the ruling PTI" ahead of the no-confidence motion against the prime minister. He, however, did not reveal the names of the ministers.

While speaking during the show, Gill shouted at Ramesh and called him a "sell-out." He also accused him of selling fake cancer medicines in Punjab.

Kumar denied all the allegations levelled by Gill and said: "Imran Khan is a good person but he had the wrong advisers."

In 2018, Kumar had left the PML-N and had joined the PTI.