'Tweeple power': A tale of single tweet that led to Chohan's ouster

Social media pressure forced PTI govt removing Punjab minister over derogatory remarks against Hindu community

After Fayyazul Hassan Chohan's comments hurt the religious sensibilities of Hindus, a single tweet was able to galvanise a movement that eventually put an end to Chohan's tenure as Punjab information minister.

Yesterday, Kapil Dev -- a Pakistani human rights activist -- slammed Chohan saying that,"This is what we get in response to our love & patriotism for #Pakistan from @PTIPunjabPK Minister @Fayazchohanpti using derogatory words for #Hindus ... without realizing that #4million Hindus live here."

This is what we get in response to our love & patriotism for #Pakistan from @PTIPunjabPK Minister @Fayazchohanpti using derogatory words for #Hindus "cow's urine" peenay walo & "idol worshippers" without realizing that #4million Hindus live here. Even his party has Hindu MPs. pic.twitter.com/h8rbpVcjLr

— Kapil Dev کپل دیو (@KDSindhi) March 4, 2019

Chohan, known for his outlandish speeches, had used disparaging words for the members of Hindu community while speaking in Lahore on February 24.

He later claimed that his comments were directed against Indians and not Pakistani Hindus.



However, as a video clip accompanying Dev's tweet of the comments went viral, Twitterati used the hashtag "#SackFayazChohan" demanding the government to take action against him.

Less than 24 hours later, Chohan was sent packing.

Following the announcement, Twitterati lauded the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government's move of removing him from his post.

"I am so glad & relieved. This is [the] power of tweeple," Dev tweeted after Chohan's resignation. "It all started from my single tweet & within 24 hours #FayazulHassan is sacked."

Thank you @ImranKhanPTI again.

It needs you courage & clarity to take such bold decisions.

Loads of love, respect and prayers for you. https://t.co/cUMUSKJmKL

— Kapil Dev کپل دیو (@KDSindhi) March 5, 2019

A Twitter user said that,"Never underestimate the power of social media! One tweet can remove a minister from his seat. Chohan disrespected Hindus, PK Hindus responded with a might and the entire nation, irrespective of religion, stood behind them."

Never underestimate the power of social media!
One tweet can remove a minister from his seat.
@Fayazchohanpti disrespected Hindus, PK Hindus responded with a might and the entire nation, irrespective of religion, stood behind them.
Proud being your friend @KDSindhi! 🇵🇰 ☮️ 💗 https://t.co/4fvnS8frM0

— Ali Haider (@AlyHydr) March 5, 2019

Rights activist Ziauddin Yousafzai said that,"Hats off to you Kapil for raising your voice and well done to the people of Pakistan for standing united against religious extremism and bigotry."

Hats off to you @KDSindhi for raising your voice and well done to the people of Pakistan for standing united against religious extremism and bigotry. Thank you @ImranKhanPTI @ShireenMazari1 @naeemul_haque and @Asad_Umar

— Ziauddin Yousafzai (@ZiauddinY) March 5, 2019