Pakistan, April 22 -- A senior New Zealand minister has faced strong criticism after making controversial remarks about a planned free trade agreement with India, describing it as a "butter chicken tsunami".

Read More: New Zealand-India FTA promises jobs and export growth

The comments were made by Shane Jones, deputy leader of the NZ First party and Minister for Regional Development, during a radio interview. He said his party would "never accept" the proposed deal, which is expected to be signed in New Delhi next week.

The agreement, being negotiated by the government of New Zealand, has been described by officials as a "once in a generation" opportunity. It aims to expand trade access for New Zealand businesses into India's large and...