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Pakistan Minister sacked after anti-Hindu remarks (Lead)

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Islamabad, March 5 (IANS) Pakistan Punjab’s Information Minister Fayyaz ul Hassan Chohan of the ruling PTI was sacked on Tuesday over his derogatory remarks against the Hindu community which drew intense criticism from members of his party and social media users.

While Dawn News quoted Shahbaz Gill, the spokesperson for Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar, as saying that Chohan resigned, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tweeted that he was “removed” and added that “bashing someone’s faith should not be a part of any narrative”.

Chohan’s easing out followed reports that Prime Minister Imran Khan had himself taken serious notice of his remarks, although those reports were denied by the party, according to Dawn.

At an event in Lahore on February 24, Chohan referred to the Hindu community as “cow urine-drinking people”.

“We are Muslims and we have a flag, the flag of Maula Ali’s bravery, the flag of Hazrat Umar’s valour. You (Hindus) don’t have that flag, it isn’t in your hands,” he had said.

“Don’t operate under the delusion that you’re seven times better than us. What we have, you can’t have, you idol worshippers,” he said.

As a video clip of the derisive remarks went viral on Monday, Twitterati on Tuesday using the hashtag “#SackFayazChohan” asked the government to remove him from his post.

Following the criticism from the PTI for his insensitivity towards the Hindus, a minority in Pakistan, the Minister apologized and said his comments were directed only at Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian media.

“I was referring to Narendra Modi, RAW and Indian media,” he said on Samaa TV’s programme Naya Din on Tuesday. “The remarks weren’t meant for any person in Pakistan. My message was for Indians.

“I didn’t demean any religion. The things I said are a part of Hindutva. I said things that are a part of their religion,” he added.

Khan termed Chohan’s remarks as “inappropriate” and said: “We will not tolerate remarks against any minority community.”

The Prime Minister’s Special Assistant on Political Affairs, Naeemul Haque, in a tweet said the PTI government “will not tolerate this nonsense from a senior member of the government or from anyone”.

Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal also took to Twitter, saying: “Pakistan proudly owns the white in the flag as much as the green, values contributions of the Hindu community and honours them as our own.”

Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Monday was unequivocal in her condemnation of her fellow PTI member’s remarks.

“No one has the right to attack anyone else’s religion. Our Hindu citizens have given sacrifices for their country”

Finance Minister Asad Umar said: “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… it is not complete without the white which represents the minorities.”

–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma

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World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.

Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.

During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.

On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”

Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.

Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.

Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”

On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”

The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.

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