Referring to the white in the country's national flag, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mohammad Faisal reiterated on Tuesday that Pakistan values the contributions of the Hindu community.
The FO spokesperson wrote on his official Twitter handle that Pakistan honors the Hindu community as its own and vales the contributions of it. "Pakistan proudly owns the white in the flag as much as the green, values contributions of the Hindu community & honors them as our own," Faisal wrote.
#Pakistan proudly owns the white in the flag as much as the green, values contributions of the Hindu community & honours them as our own.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 5, 2019
This statement by the FO comes after Punjab Information and Culture Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan made derogatory speech against the Hindu community. In an event in Lahore on February 24, the minister had targeted the Hindu community following the Pulwama attack and demeaned them.
His remarks were condemned by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, including minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari who wrote,"No one has the right to attack anyone else's religion. Our Hindu citizens have given sacrifices for their country."
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
Finance Minister Asad Umar also tweeted in support of the Hindu community.
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
Prime Minister's Special Assistant on Political Affairs Naeemul Haque demanded strict action against Chohan for his remarks.
The derogatory and insulting remarks against the Hindu community by Fayyaz Chohan the Punjab Info Minister demand strict action. PTI govt will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the govt or from anyone. Action will be taken after consulting the Chief Minister.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) March 4, 2019
#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