–Bukhari replaces Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, who resigned on Tuesday after uproar over his anti-Hindu remarks
–Says it is imperative for media and information department to be on the same page
LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Syed Sumsam Ali Bukhari on Wednesday took oath as the new information minister of Punjab.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar administered the oath-taking ceremony.
Bukhari has replaced Fayyazul Hassan Chohan, who tendered his resignation on Tuesday after his remarks against Hindus caused an uproar across the country.
On Tuesday, Punjab chief minister’s spokesperson Dr Shahbaz Gill said that Chohan’s resignation had been accepted by CM Usman Buzdar. It may be noted that Buzdar had asked Chohan to resign over his comments.
The decision to remove Chohan was also announced in a tweet by the official ruling party account.
“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,” it tweeted.
CHOHAN ‘APOLOGISES’
Chohan, who had made disparaging remarks against the minority community on Monday, had attracted flak from his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership as well as civil society as they sought his resignation.
Chohan’s attempt at apology remained an exercise in futility.
“I was only addressing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their armed forces and not the Hindu community residing in Pakistan,” said Chohan in a clarification.
He said he didn’t mean to target the [Pakistani] Hindu community and that his remarks were no way directed at them.
Prime Minister Imran Khan had also expressed displeasure over the remarks, saying such sort of statements were simply unacceptable.
Chohan held a meeting with Buzdar later in the day, according to Gill. Following the meeting, Chohan said that he was neither asked for nor has he resigned. However, the veracity of his denials was called into question later in the day when Gill confirmed that Chohan had indeed tendered his resignation.
Senior PTI leadership, including Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Finance Minister Asad Umar and PM’s Special Assistant, Naeemul Haque also slammed Chohan – who has attracted attention for his tub-thumping manner of speech.
Foreign Office spokesperson Dr Faisal took to Twitter to denounce the derogatory statement and asserted that “Pakistan values contributions of the Hindu community & honours them as our own” while adding that “it proudly owns the white in the flag as much as the green”.
‘MEDIA AND INFO DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE ON THE SAME PAGE’:
Addressing the media at DGPR office after taking oath, Bukhari said that it is imperative that media and information department should remain on the same page with regard to national issues.
Bukhari said that the way present Pakistani leadership has highlighted the Kashmir issue, during the recent Pakistan-India conflict, in the comity of the nation, is unprecedented. He, while paying tribute to the Pakistan Armed Forces for safeguarding the geographical boundaries of the country successfully, said that a message has been delivered to the enemy that as a united nation, Pakistan is an invincible country.
Talking about national unity which includes the role of the minorities, he said that the white colour in the Pakistani flag represents minorities.
Responding to a question, he said that Prime Minister Pakistan Imran Khan has proved that minorities have a prominent place in Pakistan. He said that this will be harmful for the nation if the media and information department are not on the same page. He said that media should pinpoint if there is any negligence on the government’s part so that it can be rectified, however, media should also highlight the government’s good performance.
“Constructive criticism by media will be welcomed by us. We expect appreciation from the media on the good performance of our government. Pakistani media discharges its obligation in a responsible manner as was evident during the recent Pakistan-India confrontation while the Indian media became exposed in the world due to its self-narrated and concocted narrative,” he said.
He said that revolutionary measures are being taken by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for Pakistan. In response to another question, he maintained that it is easy to defend the government when it performs better. He said that the party has expressed confidence in him and he will discharge his responsibility in an effective manner.
He also said that the information department plays the role of a bridge between government and media. He further stated that all the ministers are the part of Punjab chief minister’s team and there is no division of spokesman to CM or information minister. He said that criticising the government is the right of the opposition but if they will criticise for the sake of criticism then the government knows how to respond.
Responding to a question regarding Nawaz Sharif, the minister stated that it is up to Nawaz Sharif whether he wants to go to the hospital or not but Punjab Institute of Cardiology (PIC) is the best institute for the heart diseases.
He said that measures are being taken for the betterment of all departments of Punjab. He said that measures will be taken for the betterment and development of information department after getting a detailed briefing about the same. He further said that he has started visiting offices of media houses and the purpose of these visits is to pave the way to solve the problems being faced by journalists.
Director General Public Relations Amjad Hussain Bhatti was also present during the press talk.