The opposition members in the National Assembly on Monday severely criticised Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda for saying "if there is any other big person on this earth after Allah, its Imran Khan" and demanded his trial under the blasphemy law of the country.
The proceedings of the Lower House of the Parliament also remained suspended for more than two hours to settle this issue in the chamber of the deputy speaker but it could not be resolved. The opposition members particularly of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal Pakistan (MMAP) wanted to bring a resolution against the minister to term him as an infidel but Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) did not fully support it. However, according to the sources, the other opposition parties including Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were ready to support the resolution.
Abdul Shakoor of MMAP while speaking on the floor of the National Assembly claimed that the minister made blasphemy of all Holy Prophets and Messengers by giving such a statement. He said, "The minister should be punished under blasphemy law of the country."
Shahkoor while talking to media persons after adjournment of the House also said that the minister should apologise on his statement and again enter in Islam. "His membership of the House should be cancelled because he contested election on the seat of a Muslim."
Another member of MMAP Maulana Asmatullah said, "If the minister gave statement intentionally then he should apologise because he is no more a Muslim now."
Shaikh Rohale Asghar said that the minister should come into the House and apologise from the Parliament and all Muslims. "Mr. Speaker, you should summon the minister," he added. He further said that any member of the House should think before supporting the minister.
During the speeches of the opposition members, some of treasury members also supported them by thumping desks. The opposition members also raised slogans in favour of "Namoos-e-Risalat" (protection of Holy Prophet's sanctity).
Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, who chaired the House, said that the minister should immediately come to the House if he is in Islamabad. If the minister is out of city then he should come in the House on Tuesday (today), he added.
PPP leader and former Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Asharf said that ministers are responsible persons and they should use words carefully particularly about any religion. "The remarks of the minister are irresponsible. The minister should apologise as he hurt the sentiments of all Muslims," he added.
While responding to the opposition members, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said love with Holy Prophet Muhammad [Peace Be Upon Him] is a prerequisite for a Muslim.
He said Imran Khan has great love, respect, and devotion for the Holy Prophet [Peace Be Upon Him] and he even removes his shoes while entering the holy land of Medina. About remarks made by Faisal Vawda, Qureshi said that the minister should explain what he has said.
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