LAHORE, Pakistan: In another apparent move reflecting no endurance for any discrimination against minorities and to ensure religious harmony prevails in the society, Prime Minister Imran Khan took a bold step on Tuesday and issued a directive to remove the Punjab Information and Culture Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan.
The resignation by Fayyazul Hassan Chohan came in compliance with high level directions after he used a derogatory remarks against the Hindus, for which, he faced severe backlash on media and social media.
His resignation has been accepted by the Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar.
In a vidoe statement on twitter, the Punjab Chief Minister’s Spokesman Shahbaz Gill said that Usman Buzdar expressed strong displeasure over derogatory remarks made by the Punjab minister, and also sought an apology from the Hindu community.
ترجمان وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب شہبازگل کا فیاض الحسن چوہان کے استعفے سے متعلق ویڈیو پیغام،مزید اس ویڈیو میں #DunyaVideos #DunyaNews
For more videos visit: https://t.co/IHj1Xip7JG @pmln_org @PTIofficial @MediaCellPPP#FayazChohan #CMPunjab #UsmanBuzdar #Punjab pic.twitter.com/zcpsQrKYkT— Dunya News (@DunyaNews) March 5, 2019
Earlier in the day, Fayyazul Hassan Chohan also himself apologised for his comments, saying “I was addressing the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian armed forces and their media, not the Hindu community in Pakistan. I apologise if my remarks hurt the Hindu community in Pakistan. My remarks were in no way directed at Pakistan’s Hindu community.”
The top leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) also denounced Fayyazul Hassan Chohan’s remarks, and voiced solidarity with all minorities of the Country.
The derogatory and insulting remarks against the Hindu community by Fayyaz Chohan the Punjab Info Minister demand strict action. PTI govt will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the govt or from anyone. Action will be taken after consulting the Chief Minister.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) March 4, 2019
Hindus of Pakistan are as much a part of the fabric of the nation as I am. Remember the flag of Pakistan is not just green….its not complete without the white which represents the minorities. Quaide Azam’s whole struggle was for a country free of discrimination
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) March 4, 2019
Appalling & embarrassing stance against minorities that may reflect a personal opinion but certainly has nothing to do with what PM @ImranKhanPTI stands for or the spirit behind PTI.All faiths in Pakistan ARE and WILL ALWAYS be equal, that must be the essence of our belief. pic.twitter.com/L87gVPRtKL
— Sayed Z Bukhari (@sayedzbukhari) March 5, 2019
Absolutely condemn this. No one has the right to attack anyone else’s religion. Our Hindu citizens have given sacrifices for their country. Our PM’s msg is always of tolerance & respect & we cannot condone any form of bigotry or spread of religious hatred. https://t.co/uOTeyEg4Pb
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) March 4, 2019
Meanwhile sources said that Syed Samsam Bukhari will replace Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as the Minister for Information in the Punjab Cabinet.
They said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has accorded his approval to appoint Samsam Bukhari as the new Punjab Information Minister.
Samsam Bukhari will be administered the Oath by the Governor Punjab Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar tomorrow (Wednesday).
