Moments ago it was announced that the PTI government required Princeton University graduate and member of the Economic Advisory Council, Atif R. Mian to step down. The news was announced on social media by PTI Senator Faisal Javed Khan.
Atif Mian was asked to step down from the Advisory Council and he has agreed. A replacement would be announced later.
— Faisal Javed Khan (@FaisalJavedKhan) September 7, 2018
In his tweet Khan revealed that Mian had agreed to the surrender and his replacement would soon be announced. Atif Mian’s appointment in the Economic Advisory council was based on his merit to advise the government on all future economic policies. However, this decision was heavily opposed by various individuals and most prominently, members of Tehreek-e-Labbaik.
The reason for this opposition is Atif Mian’s Ahmadi faith.
Despite standing their ground and guarding their decision, PTI had declared their support for Mian just 3 days ago. PTI members openly declared that their constitution does not intend to bend in the face of religious extremists. Fawad Chaudhary even made a statement in support of all the minorities and called them an equal part of Pakistan.
His statement was released in the midst of a chaotic campaign that demanded the removal of someone with an Ahmadi faith from the advisory council. Chaudhary even referred to Jinnah’s decisions and how the founder of Pakistan supported and set principles that did not discriminate based on religious beliefs. Soon after, all PTI elected members followed suit and voiced their support for Mian.
Exactly. Well put indeed. Time to reclaim space for the Quaid’s Pakistan! https://t.co/DdbeCiewbi
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) September 4, 2018
Much to everyone’s dismay, Mian’s removal comes as a surprise. The statements released by Chaudry, Mazari and others led to a Smear campaign on social media. The campaign openly demanded the removal of Mian’s person from the council. Several notices from various parties were also submitted demanding quick action.
PPP openly defied the notices and declared its lack of participation in all actions that discriminate on the basis of someone’s faith.
Despite several having shown incredible support for Mian, quoting his qualification for the role he had been assigned; they evidently succumbed to the pressure.
#AtifMian is an Ahmadi, brilliant academic, renowned economist. And the man who raped and killed little Zainab was a Hafiz-e-Quran Muslim.
So tell me again about how much a person’s religion/sect affects their ability to do their jobs. Go on, I’ll wait.— Pro-Crastinator (@Fugitive0073) September 4, 2018
Its so fun to see how everyone’s imaan have suddenly became endangered because of Dr. #AtifMian‘s appointment. Tum Official Muslims ka Islam itna kamzoor hai keh ek Ahmadi economic advisor ke aanye se hill jaye ga? What are you afraid of?
— SabahatMS (@SabahatMS) September 7, 2018
If my late father was alive today he would have beem so proud of #AtifMian .
My father was a Joint Chief Economist, Planning & Development Department, Govt of Sindh, Karachi. A devoted ahmadi & a very patriotic pakistani who studied in America & returned to his country to serve— BintePasha (@Solitary_Walk) September 4, 2018
