Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s society and government’s response to the lynching of Sri Lankan factory manager Priyantha Kumara proves that “we are not India.”

Addressing a post-cabinet press conference, the minister said the state is responsible for the protection of every citizen belonging to minority communities, hence, the trial of individuals involved in the lynching and killing of Kumara would start at the earliest and the perpetrators will be punished in line with the law.

Chaudhry also stated that violent incidents against Muslims take place in India “every now and then” and nobody bats an eye. In Pakistan however, the entire nation stands unified against such acts.

The PTI government arranged a condolence reference in respect of Kumara who was lynched to death by a angry mob in Sialkot over allegations of blasphemy on Friday. His body was set on fire.

The incident shocked the nation and has prompted swift condemnation from all sectors of society and governance.

Senior politicians laid a floral wreath in front of Kumara’s portrait in Islamabad.

Responding to the PMO’s tweet, Chaudhry said, “Can you imagine such reaction by Indian Govt on mob lynching? Mob Lynching has become a new normal in India, despite all our faults thanks God we are not India under Modi.”

Many Twitter users criticised the minister and said “it’s not a religious tolerance contest.”

“This is classic Grade 2, playground politics logic.

But also, let me be clear. This is not the time, not the place. Read the room,” said a tweet.

Some users stood by Chaudhry and supported his comments.

“When Imran Khan sees oppression happening, he takes a stand against the oppressor and challenges it, while Modi sees terrorism as a means to increase the vote count,” said Twitter user Munawar Satti.