New Delhi: Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan has sparked outrage after his comment that the “Western notion of feminism degrades the role of a mother”.

“A mother has biggest influence on a person ...A real mother, that is. I completely disagree with this Western concept, this feminist movement... it has degraded the role of a mother...when I was growing up my mother had the most impact on me,” Khan, the chief of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, said in a TV interview.

The remarks, however, were deemed ‘anti-women’ and drew backlash on social media, with several users commenting that Khan had misunderstood the concept of feminism.

While some users said the leader should be better briefed on such issues or refrain from commenting on them, others said they were not really surprised by his comments as “that is the one thing Pakistani men are best at”.

#Feminism has never looked down on motherhood. Feminists have worked in every country to create paid leave and laws to protect mothers & safety nets so mothers dont leave work to care for kids. Educate yourself #ImranKhan @ImranKhanPTI — Seraphina (@seraphina444) 17 June 2018

Dear @ImranKhanPTI feminism is about equal rights and opportunities. Its the sexist and misogynist men who restrict women role to just rearing and caring of children. Feminism has nothing to do with East or West. Power of Feminists is undeniable and unstoppable. — Shawanashah (@ShawanaShah92) 17 June 2018

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief did not respond to the criticism.

With barely two months left before Pakistan goes to polls, a leaked manuscript of an autobiographical book written by Khan’s ex-wife Reham Khan has also stirred up a controversy within the country’s political ranks.

In the book, the former TV presenter is said to have made a set of serious allegations against Khan, including accusations of sexual misconduct and harassment.

In an exclusive interview to CNN-News18, Reham Khan said in the book she reveals instances of rampant sexual coercion and use of sexual favours for political gains within the ranks of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.