Pak's Punjab province minister sacked over anti-Hindu remarks

Islamabad, Mar 05: Pakistan's Punjab province Information and Culture Minister Fayyazul Hassan Chohan has been sacked over his anti-Hindu remarks that invited intense criticism by senior party leaders and the minority community, according to a media report.

"PTI Punjab government has removed Fayyaz Chohan from the post of Punjab Information Minister following derogatory remarks about the Hindu community. Bashing someone's faith should not b a part of any narrative.Tolerance is the first & foremost pillar on which #Pakistan was built (sic)" the party tweeted.

Earlier in the day, Chohan apologised for his remarks following intense criticism from senior members of his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's government and social media users.

"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 hurt the Hindu community in Pakistan," Chohan said. "My remarks were in no way directed at Pakistan's Hindu community."

He had come under severe criticism from senior members of his party, ministers and social media users with SackFayazChohan trending on Twitter for his controversial remarks while addressing a gathering on February 24 in the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack.

PTI