Samsam Bukhari sworn in as information minister of Punjab
Last updated on: 06 March,2019 09:05 pm
Yesterday, Fayyaz Chohan resigned after he faced backlash over his derogatory remarks against Hindus
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Syed Samsam Bukhari on Wednesday has sworn in as the provincial minister of information, a day after Fayyaz Chohan was ousted from the ministry for making derogatory remarks against Hindu community.
Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar administered oath to Bukhari during a ceremony where other officials including Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar were also present.
Bukhari is a former Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Member of the National Assembly (MNA) from NA-145 (Okara-III). However, he joined PTI in 2015 and was elected as MPA from Sahiwal for the 2018 by-election.
Yesterday, Buzdar sough an explanation from Chohan for hurting sentiments of the Hindu community. The remarks were observed as extremely insulting for the Hindus.
Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan had also expressed displeasure over his remarks, and asserted that such sort of statements were simply unacceptable.
However, the minister had apologized later in the day and tendered resignation after having a meeting with the chief minister.
Other senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders including Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari, Finance Minister Asad Umar and PM’s Special Assistant Naeemul Haque had also slammed Chohan – who became center of attention for his tub-thumping manner of speech.
Earlier, Foreign Office (FO) 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”.
Chohan had earlier faced criticism over his verbal exchanges with reporters during a press briefing.