'Horrible drivers': Fawad Chaudhry opposes campaign encouraging women to ride bikes

Former Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has triggered a storm of comments on social media after opposing campaigns encouraging women to ride bikes.

Chaudhry called women “horrible” drivers while responding on X to a BBC News Punjabi report about women increasingly using scooters and participating in rallies aimed at promoting women’s mobility.

“Most of the girls are horrible drivers and must not be encouraged to use bikes,” wrote Chaudhary on X, adding: “This campaign is akin to putting their and others' lives in danger.”

Former minister’s comments quickly sparked an online backlash, with his former party colleague Maleeka Bokhari terming his statement “absurd” and “misogynistic”.

Meanwhile, others said road safety should be addressed through proper driving education and training instead of discouraging women from riding.

"Read statistics of safety record of women," a user commented on the post.

Netizens stressed that women are “very careful drivers,” as they stay in their lane.

Journalist Alia Chughtai asked Chaudhry to "do better".

Users suggested that if Chaudhry feels women are not good drivers, then he should promote training rather than telling them to stay off the roads.

The remarks also revived criticism of Chaudhry’s previous comments about women. 

In June, he had said: "Why are women opting to become police officers? Most of them are completely useless as cops; also, it’s a terrible career choice even otherwise.”