Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is facing a barrage of criticism after urging Christians to stay at home and maintain social distancing during Easter.

“Wishing all our Christian citizens a happy Easter. Please stay safe and keep your families safe during the Covid-19 pandemic by praying and celebrating at home; and by observing the national safety protocols,” said the PM in his Easter message.

While some praised the prime minister for wishing the country’s minority community well, others were quick to point out Khan’s silence on Muslim worshipers defying the coronavirus lockdown.

Several video clips have emerged in recent days showing angry mobs beating and chasing male and female police officers during Friday congregations.

The Khan administration is particularly accused of a slow response to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus which has killed more than 114,000 people globally.

According to experts, the federal government wasted a lot of precious time in declaring a ban on daily mosque prayers and Friday congregations.

As a result, more than 700 members of a prominent Muslim missionary group who congregated in Lahore from March 10-12 have tested positive, according to government data. The group is being blamed by some for the local transmission of the virus.

On the other hand, Catholics and other minority groups shut down churches even before the national lockdown was declared.