We all remember how everyone was so excited when the promise of a Naya Pakistan came about to be. We were all equally excited when we saw a somewhat inclusive Economic Council which went beyond religion and enrolled brilliant Pakistani minds from throughout the world.
But today, Pakistanis don’t really know how to react since one of those great minds were just let go because of a reason none other than their religious identity.
Dr. Atif Mian, an Economist from the Princeton University was just asked to step down by the government following pressure from religiopolitical parties due to him being an Ahmedi.
It was announced by Senator Faisal Javed Khan via a tweet.
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
It comes as a shock because just three days ago, the Minister for Information, Fawad Chaudhry said how, “Pakistan belongs as much to minorities as it does to the majority.”
In a press conference, examples were given of Jinnah’s Pakistan and how he also appointed Sir Zafar Ullah, who was also an Ahmedi, as the Foreign Minister of Pakistan. Choudhary also said, “we’ll follow the principles of Jinnah, not of extremists.”
معاشی مشاورتی کونسل کے رُکن عاطف میاں کے معاملے پر وفاقی وزیر اطلاعات کا رد عمل#PTI@fawadchaudhry pic.twitter.com/MUn7xSK9nE
— PTI (@PTIofficial) September 4, 2018
Today, Chaudhry tweeted how Imran Khan’s ideal state is of Madinah and justified the removal of Dr. Mian from the council in a series of tweets.
“The government wants to move forward alongside scholars and all social groups, and it is inappropriate if a single nomination creates an impression to the contrary,” he tweeted.
حکومت نے فیصلہ کیا ہے کہ عاطف میاں کی اقتصادی مشاورتی کمیٹی سے نامزدگی واپس لے لی جائے،حکومت علماء اور تمام معاشرتی طبقات کو ساتھ لے کر ہی آگے بڑھنا چاہتی ہے اور اگر ایک نامزدگی سے مختلف تاثر پیدا ہوتا ہے تو یہ مناسب نہیں۔
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) September 7, 2018
But to be very honest, people can’t put their heads around why has this happened.
PM Imran Khan, who claims that he can never be blackmailed, has been blackmailed in broad daylight. What a shame! What a cowardly move! https://t.co/tzVvAjmu9P
— Ali Salman Alvi (@alisalmanalvi) September 7, 2018
They just don’t know why Dr. Atif had to be dragged into a mess he didn’t ask to be in.
Shame on everyone, EVERY SINGLE PERSON who has played this dirty game.
Atif Mian wasn't asking for this.
If you didn't have the spine to stick to your decision, you shouldn't have dragged him into this mess. https://t.co/FUoAMTftrL
— Ell_Enn (@ell_enn) September 7, 2018
And are ashamed after realizing how he must be feeling
I wonder what shall be going through the heart and mind of Atif Mian – a good patriotic law-abiding Pakistani – this morning.
I am not an Ahmadi. I actually tick quite a few boxes: Muslim, Sunni. Deobandi, Male. The sweet feeling of security that brings. But.
— Swat Swag (@NaPoha_) September 7, 2018
From Naya Pakistan to Purana Pakistan…
Atif Mian was asked to step down. From Naya to Purana Pakistan in a jiffy..
— Syed Ali Abbas Zaidi (@Ali_Abbas_Zaidi) September 7, 2018
…quite literally
Atif Mian has been tapped to win the Nobel Prize a few years down the line, owing to his brilliance. Today we disowned him like we disowned Abdus Salam all those years ago.
— R. (@rahimaxarsenal) September 7, 2018
It’s just a shame how someone who was tapped to win a Nobel Prize in a few years has been neglected just like that
Woke up to the savage news of Atif Mian, arguably the greatest economic mind our country has ever produced being asked to not serve his country. Just at the time we needed him most. His policies would have positively affected the lives of 200M+ people. Pakistan I am ashamed today
— H U Khan (@Huk06) September 7, 2018
Dear Naya Pakistan, we’re seriously ashamed. We all had very high hopes, but here we are…
What do you think about the decision? Let us know in the comments.
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