Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said that those who were spreading hate in the name of religion have nothing to do with religion. 

While speaking about the recent country-wide protests following a Supreme Court verdict acquitting Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death on blasphemy charges, Fawad Chaudhry, “The protesters were damaging property in the name of Islam, but had no moral standing.”

“Those who were spreading hate in the name of religion have nothing to do with it,” he added.

He further said, “The protesters did not leave a child fruit vendor nor a poor rickshaw driver. Women were disrespected and vehicles were set on fire. They stole bananas from a child and you can judge their moral standing from that.”

Regarding the agreement between the government and the protesters which led to an end to the sit-ins across the country, Chaudhry said, “There were two ways to deal with the protesters.”

“If we sent forces then it would have been said that the government transgressed. We had to make the situation across the country return to normal and should be credited for resolving the issue wisely,” the information minister further said.

“We want to resolve issues and will have to end sit-ins as it is not acceptable that two to three thousand people shutdown a city,” he added.

Furthermore, Chaudhry said, “Prime Minster Imran Khan truly loves Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and has never even worn shoes while landing in Medina. He does not need a certificate from anyone.”

Fawad Chaudhry said, “the state of Medina is our model," adding, "We will give all citizens, including minorities, their rights."

The government has directed all provinces to submit data regarding damage to property during the protests and provide details of the rioters by tonight.

Chaudhry also thanked the opposition for their support when the protests were being staged. He also assured that those whose property was damaged by the protesters will be compensated.

Moreover, while speaking about social media, he said, “Facebook cooperated with us but we are facing issues with Twitter. We do not want to ban social media but they should cooperate on matters of religious hate.”