On the occasion of Islamic Prophet Mohammed’s birth anniversary, Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan dropped a controversial remark about Christianity’s Prophet Jesus Christ while addressing a press conference.
“There is no mention of Hadrat Eesa (Jesus Christ) in any books of history” Imran Khan was quoted. He also added that, while there were some evidences to prove the existence of Moses, but history completely lacks any reference to Jesus Christ. Moses is one of the most revered prophets in Judaism.
https://twitter.com/ShamaJunejo/status/1064878956518739968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
The Backlash
PM Imran Khan has been subject to the backlash after the video of his comments on Jesus Christ went viral. It is seen as an insensitive disposition towards Christians, who are a minority in Pakistan.
Pakistan born, Islamic commentator Tarek Fatah took to Twitter, to express shock on Khan’s comment.
https://twitter.com/TarekFatah/status/1064994176771723264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
His party members from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf defended Imran Khan, by saying his statements have been taken out of context.
Other reactions that followed:
https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1064939922015031301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Previous controversial remarks
In recent times this has been the second instance when Imran Khan landed in trouble for his own statements. This month, justifying the making of U-turns on many electoral promises, Imran Khan had drawn the parallels between himself and Nazi leader Adolf Hitler and French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.
“Adolf Hitler and Napoleon Bonaparte would not have suffered losses in wars in Russia if they had taken U-turns. Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns according to the requirement of their duties and best interests of the nation. One who doesn’t take decisions according to the demand of the situation is not a true leader,” Imran Khan said last month.
He drew extreme criticism and ridicule from the opposition for same.
Imran Khan’s war of words with India
Imran Khan also has a history of launching diatribes against India and Prime Minister Modi. Last month, Imran Khan on 22nd October tweeted about “new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris” and referred J&K, which is an integral part of India as IOK or India Occupied Kashmir. This tweet had come hours after reports about the killing of civilians in South Kashmir emerged.
Following which, India issued a stern reply to Pakistan, and added that Pakistan should be more interested in its own issues than India’s.