An Islamabad-based lawyer named Ziaul Rehman Gondal on Wednesday filed an application seeking the registration of an FIR [First Information Report] against Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry for supporting Atif Mian’s induction into the Economic Advisory Council (EAC) and calling the Khatam-e-Nabuwat believers “extremists”.
The application, filed on September 4, noted that the minister defended the minority Ahmedi community in his press talk and called Muslims “extremists”. Therefore, a case should be registered against him under Terrorism Act 1997 and other relevant sections of the constitution.
The application alleged that the minister, through his statement, has hurt the sentiments of Muslims and has made ‘fun’ of the Constitution of Pakistan. The application further claims that it was also a conspiracy to start sectarian riots in the country.
On Tuesday, Fawad Chaudhry defended notable economist Dr Atif R Mian’s induction into the EAC constituted by Prime Minister Imran Khan last week.
While addressing media, Chaudhry slammed Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Shehla Raza’s tweet opposing the induction of minorities in the EAC.
“I don’t know where all this is coming from. How can you justify the persecution of religious minorities and their rights in Pakistan? What kind of people are those who are levelling these accusations?”
The minister added: “He [Atif R Mian] is a person revered worldwide and a favourite to win the Nobel Peace Prize within the next five years.”
The social media users on Twitter applauded Chaudhary’s statement and praised the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for a strong stand.