Provincial Minister of Punjab for Information and Culture, Fayyaz Chohan is someone who is followed by controversy like his shadow.
During a public gathering late last year, the minister made misogynistic remarks about the stage actors, stating that “I would ensure that Nargis became Haji Nargis and Megha was on fasting for 300 days a year instead of 30 days.”
This did not go down well with the named artists who stated that being at a responsible post, the minister should choose his words wisely or they would be forced to take legal action against him.
Similarly, on a separate occasion, the Punjab minister hurled abuses at Samaa TV’s staff after he was called out by the talk show host over his previous remarks. Although he has already apologised for his past behaviour ever since, he is currently under fire, once again, for his uncalled for comments against the Hindu community.
In Hot Waters, Afresh
This all happened during a press conference held at the Lahore Press Club a few days back regarding the aftermath of the Pulwama attacks. While addressing the crowd, Fayyaz Chohan used disrespectful words against Hindus, which sparked outrage in the community. Belittling words like ‘cow urine drinking people’ and ‘idol worshippers’ were used by the minister to ridicule the religion.
None of this did go down well with anyone, irrespective of religious or societal affiliations and he is currently facing the wrath of the society.
Nadia Jamil Brought the Issue Up
Actress Nadia Jamil brought the issue to the light and requested for Human Rights Minister, Shireen Mazari’s notice on the matter. Jamil stated that Fayyaz Chohan’s statement was not only demeaning but also incited racism and could ignite violence against the community.
Dear @ShireenMazari1 please do take heed of the awful way Fayaz Chohan dose to speak about a religion that belongs to many Pakistanis also. Many of us have found his words racist, dangerous, as they can incite violence against Hindu Pakistanis, & very offensive. Plz do stop him??
— Nadia Jamil (@NJLahori) March 4, 2019
Shireen Mazari Responded
Taking heed of the situation, Shireen Mazari condemned the act while making it clear that no one had the right to attack any religion.
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
Asad Umar Added
Federal Minister for Finance, Asad Umar also responded to the controversy stating that the Hindus of this country are as much a part of Pakistan as Muslims are.
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
PTI Condemned
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf; which also happens to be Fayyaz’s political party, condemned the act while quoting Quaid-e-Azam, ‘You may belong to any religion/caste/creed, that has nothing to do with business of State.’
#PTI Social Media condemns derogatory remarks. We respect all religions, Quaid said, “You may belong to any religion/caste/creed, that has nothing to do with business of State”, on same principles @ImranKhanPTI has always given minorities status they rightly deserve in Pakistan??
— Tehreek-e-Insaf (@InsafPK) March 4, 2019
Mahira Khan Demands Action
In response to the whole scenario, actress Mahira Khan also came forward and stood by the Hindu community while urging the government to take action against the Information and Culture Minister for his crude remarks.
Action not just condemnation. Always a good time to set an example, but now may be the best time! @ImranKhanPTI @ShireenMazari1 @PTIofficial https://t.co/MkxFKAnKo0
— Mahira Khan (@TheMahiraKhan) March 4, 2019
Action Taken
The latest on the controversy is that taking notice of Fayyaz Chohan’s remarks and the ensuing controversy around them, the Chief Minister of Punjab, Usman Buzdar, has asked the provincial minister to immediately tender his resignation.
It is reported that the resignation will be sent to the Prime Minister Imran Khan, who will take the final decision on the matter
Bearing in mind that Pakistan consists of approximately four million Hindus that amount to 1.6% of the country’s population, Fayyaz Chohan’s comments were not only racist but also against the very fabric of the concept of national unity.
We at Galaxy Lollywood believe such disparaging remarks only lead to resentment and divide between communities, and have no place whatsoever, especially when holding an office.
