The Punjab Information and Culture Minister Fayy-azul Hassan Chohan has resigned from his ministry amid criticism over his remarks against the Hindu community. Dr Shahbaz Gill, the Punjab chief minister's spokesperson confirmed that Chohan tendered his resignation and it was accepted by CM Sardar Usman Buzdar.
The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, in a tweet, announced that he (Fayyaz) was "removed", adding that "bashing someone's faith should not be a part of any narrative."
Chohan held a meeting with the CM Sardar Usman Buzdar. Following the meeting, Chohan said that he was neither asked for nor has he resigned. However, the veracity of his denials was called into question later in the day when Gill confirmed that Chohan had indeed tendered his resignation.
Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Political Affairs Naeemul Haque in a tweet had said that the PTI would not "tolerate this nonsense", adding that action would be taken against the minister after consultation with Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar. "The PTI government will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the government or from anyone," he wrote.
Chohan apologized for his anti-Hindu remarks following severe criticism from senior members of his party's government and social media users. Chohan said, "I was addressing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian armed forces and their media not the Hindu community in Pakistan."
He said, "I apologise if my remarks have hurt the Hindu community in Pakistan," Chohan continued. "My remarks were in no way directed at Pakistan's Hindu community. I will respond befittingly to whoever looks at my nation with a dirty eye. Every last drop of my blood is for my nation."
Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan Naeemul Haque, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and several others had slammed Chohan over his remarks.
Sources said the CM Buzdar called Chohan to the Punjab CM Office and asked him to tender his resignation. "The Punjab CM sought an explanation from Chohan regarding his anti-Hindu remarks," he said.
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