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Fawad Chaudhry who was previously the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, after the recent major cabinet reshuffle has been appointed as the Federal Minister for Science and Technology since 19 April 2019. On Sunday, he released a message regarding the moon sighting disputes in Pakistan and how the ministry has devised a solution to combat it using modern technology. Mufti Muneeb Ur Rehman, chairman Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has issued his statement regarding this disagreeing with ministry’s decision.
He announced on Twitter that a committee should be constituted that would decide important moon sightings and develop an Islamic lunar calendar to end all disputes that emerge on Ruet-e-Hilal.
According to Fawad Ch, the Science and Technology ministry has decided to form a 5 member committee comprised of Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), Met Department and technology experts. He stressed on the issues and controversies regarding the moon sighting that come about during the time of Ramadan, Muharram, Eid, and other important Islamic occasions; to which the solution of devising a lunar calendar using cutting edge technologies by the committee is proposed.
He said, “The calendar will be presented before the federal cabinet, which is fully authorized to accept it or reject it. However, the ministry preferred to generate our own lunar calendar for Pakistan.”
#StatementOnMoonSight pic.twitter.com/o8u4G2ItkF
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 5, 2019
Fawad Ch heavily criticized religious clerics on Twitter, as a reply to a question asked by a user
Upon this released message a user inquired Fawad ch about the ‘maulvis’ accepting this decision, he replied: “The decision about how to run the country cannot be left solely on the maulvis. The journey ahead will be taken by the youngsters, not the maulvis and only modern technology can take people forward.”
He continued on with his reply criticizing the religious clerics and said, “The process to establish Pakistan would have not happened as all renowned clerics had opposed the establishment of Pakistan who also termed Mr. Jinnah as ‘Kafir-e-Azam.”
یہ فیصلہ کہ ملک کیسے چلنا ہے مولانا پر نہیں چھوڑا جا سکتا، اس رو سے پاکستان کا قیام ہی عمل میں نہ آتا کیونکہ تمام بڑے علماء تو پاکستان کے قیام کے مخالف تھے اور جناح صاحب کو کافر آعظم کہتے تھے، آگے کا سفر مولویوں نے نہیں نوجوانوں نے کرنا ہے اور ٹیکنالوجی ہی قوم کو آگے لیجا سکتی ہے https://t.co/HEXcJVWfTW
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) May 5, 2019
‘Ministers that do not understand the sensitivity of the religion should not be given a free license to take part in such matters’, says Mufti Muneeb.
چئیرمین رؤیت ہلال کمیٹی مفتی منیب الرحمان صاحب کا وزیر سائنس وٹیکنالوجی فواد چوہدری کے غیر ذمہ دارانہ بیان پر سخت ردّ عمل
#StatementOnMoonSight pic.twitter.com/UbSt1u0tMR— Rizvi Media (@RizviMedia9263) May 5, 2019
Fawad Ch’s statements garner supporters and critics alike
I support @fawadchaudhry on this…
— Iqrar ul Hassan Syed (@iqrarulhassan) May 5, 2019
Controversies transpire because Saudi is the rule for some, says a user.
Sir, you really think the controversies happen because of lack of technology? RH Committee's decisions are scientifically proven. You can't find a single decision which contradicts with technology. Controversies happen cos some people just want to follow Saudi.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) May 5, 2019
‘Apni Maloomat Theek Karien’
اپنی معلومات ٹھیک کریں مخالفت کرنے والے چند ایک دو نمبر مولوی تھے
باقی ساری جدوجہد علما ٕ نے ہی کی اور علما ٕ نے ہی عوام میں جوش و جزبہ پیدا کیا قاٸد اعظم فرنٹ پر بیک سپورٹ علما ٕ کی تھی۔
آپ جیسے لوگ تو انگریزوں کی چمچہ گیری میں مصروف تھے۔#AntiPakistan_Mafia_NoMore pic.twitter.com/20EiAo510R
— Muhammad Abdullah. (@peaceful_islaam) May 5, 2019
Excellent decision and Mufti Muneeb a ‘misfit’, says one.
Excellent decision.
In past we have witnessed Eid and fasting on wrong dates.
Mufti Muneeb is totally misfit for declaration of moon sighting.— Ali Usman ?? (@AliUsman_Isk) May 5, 2019
According to this user, every sensible Pakistani should commend Fawad Ch on this initiative.
You've my utmost respect. What a brilliant stance and initiative! Imagine no previous Minister ever thought of doing something as this simple! All rational and sensible Pakistani citizens must support and appreciate Ch. Sahib for this.
— Mohsin Hijazee (@MohsinHijazee) May 5, 2019
‘Scientology cult’
Fawad Sb u really sound like a"Scientology"Cult ?
IK @ImranKhanPTI is this your choice?
IK you are promoting a Watan made on the foundation of Madina Ki Riyasat & this man =>Fawad Choudry AsthgfuralAlah seems like a dangerous cult of"Scientology"?YaAllah You Save Our Pakistan
— Syeda Aliya Ahmad (@Aliya313) May 5, 2019
What do you guys think of Fawad Chaudhry’s plans? Let us know in the comments below!
