Islamabad: Pakistan Punjab's Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan of the ruling PTI has come under severe criticism from members of his party for making derogatory remarks about Hindus.
According to a media report, Chohan referred to the Hindu community as "cow urine-drinking people" at a recent press conference.
"We are Muslims and we have a flag, the flag of Maula Ali's bravery, the flag of Hazrat Umar's valour. You (Hindus) don't have that flag, it isn't in your hands," he had said.
"Don't operate under the delusion that you're seven times better than us. What we have, you can't have, you idol worshippers," he said in a video that went viral on social media.
His remarks were condemned by Prime Minister Imran Khan and other key political leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf for his insensitivity towards the Hindus, a minority in Pakistan. The Minister then apologized and said his comments were directed only at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian media.
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"I was referring to Narendra Modi, RAW and Indian media," he said on a TV programme on Tuesday. "The remarks weren't meant for any person in Pakistan. My message was for Indians.
"I didn't demean any religion. The things I said are a part of Hindutva. I said things that are a part of their religion," he added.
Khan termed Chohan's remarks as "inappropriate" and said: "We will not tolerate remarks against any minority community."
PTI's leader Naeemul Haque said: "The derogatory and insulting remarks against the Hindu community by Fayyaz Chohan... The PTI government will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the government or from anyone. Action will be taken after consulting the Chief Minister."
Ministers of Human Rights Shireen Mazari tweeted: "Absolutely condemn this. No one has the right to attack anyone else's religion. Our Hindu citizens have given sacrifices for their country.
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"Our Prime Minister's message is always of tolerance and respect and we cannot condone any form of bigotry or spread of religious hatred," she added.
Finance Minister Asad Umar said: "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... it is not complete without the white which represents the minorities."
