Atif Mian being forced to leave the Economic Advisory Council has received a massive backlash. People are disappointed, sentiments have been hurt, and the right wing is being blamed and cursed for the further marginalization of minorities. Amidst this great debacle, even Hamza Ali Abbassi didn’t hold back on the matter and shared his two cents on the matter. The bottom line is people are pissed and the situation has turned very messy very soon.
In light of the burning rage which is taking the social media by storm, Atif Mian himself releases a statement to provide some closure for the people detesting the formal decision
Atif Mian shed light on his side of the story, maybe, in an attempt to cool down the matter and to sustain the prospering relationship between the new government and Pakistanis.
1/ For the sake of the stability of the Government of Pakistan, I have resigned from the Economic Advisory Council, as the Government was facing a lot of adverse pressure regarding my appointment from the Mullahs (Muslim clerics) and their supporters.
— Atif Mian (@AtifRMian) September 7, 2018
Sadly, the ideological differences are strong enough to encompass merit and credibility in terms of management of the country in Pakistan.
Atif’s words could be felt to be a piercing, heartfelt retaliation to the people who resented his engagement with the government.
2/ Nevertheless, I will always be ready to serve Pakistan as it is the country in which I was raised and which I love a great deal. Serving my country is an inherent part of my faith and will always be my heartfelt desire.
— Atif Mian (@AtifRMian) September 7, 2018
Atif Mian finally ended his social media catharsis on a positive note.
4/ My prayers will always be with Pakistan and I will always be ready to help it in any way that is required.
— Atif Mian (@AtifRMian) September 7, 2018
Mr. Mian dealt with the entire situation in a calm and honorable manner. Not even once did the man mention that he was asked to step down from his position; rather stood by the claim that he willingly resigned to restore peace between the nation and its government.
The fact that the government succumbed to bigotry angered people all across the nation.
Pakistan would have been more stable if it hadn’t bowed to the pressure of extremists, Pakistan is ending up in a chaos by respecting extremists rather than talent. It is an attack on the constitutional supremacy of Pakistan.
— Gulalai_Ismail (@Gulalai_Ismail) September 7, 2018
While the right wing has failed to acknowledge that Atif’s appointment was done sheerly on the basis of merit, Pakistani’s did not disappoint in this regard.
We are very sorry for letting you down. Pakistan will always be proud of you for being an extraordinary mind. Please keep up the good work and don’t hold grudges against the soil. We are unfortunate but InshAllah we shall change.
— AgainstAllOdds (@MaonBillii) September 7, 2018
Following the resignation, other members of the Economic Advisory Council are stepping down.
Bear in mind, these are world-celebrated Pakistani economists and they have protested against the bleak incident in order to show solidarity with their former fellow member.
Asim Ijaz Khwaja, who teaches Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School, objected to the issue and resigned from the EAC as well.
Have resigned from EAC. Painful, deeply sad decision. Grateful for chance to aid analytical reasoning but not when such values compromised. Personally as a Muslim I can’t justify this. May Allah forgive/guide me&us all.Ever ready to help.Pakistan Paindabadhttps://t.co/j80LHEhfRK
— Asim Ijaz Khwaja (@aikhwaja) September 7, 2018
Dr. Imran Rasul, who is a London-based economist and teaches at University College London also gave in his resignation
With a heavy heart, I have resigned from the EAC this morning. The circumstances in which Atif was asked to step down are ones I profoundly disagree with. Basing decisions on religious affiliation goes against my principles, or the values I am trying to teach my children. (1/5)
— Imran Rasul (@ImranRasul3) September 8, 2018
The smear campaign against the removal of Atif Mian seems to have crept into the deeper layers of the system, and Asim Ijaz Khwaja’s and Imran Rasul’s resignation testifies to that.
The fact that they stood steadfast in their support for Atif Mian is an example of how the nation is expected to uplift its ethnoreligious minorities and has inspired many
Well done @aikhwaja . Proud of your principled stance. Inshallah there will be other ways to help Pakistan.
— Faisal (@FaisalIrfanMian) September 7, 2018
People are understanding what a grave loss they have incurred as these bright minds leave the EAC
Massive respect for you Sir.
Pakistan is sad to lose you at this juncture but we deserve it.
— sophia ahmed (@sophiaahmed) September 7, 2018
And they cannot help but question Imran Khan’s vision and his action plan since all of this was expected way beforehand.
But it is so sad. Imran Khan’s has let the bigotry win and lost diamond minds for what? To please illetrate extremist mullah? OMG
Smh— W A Malik (@LuvPeaceLight) September 7, 2018
Seems like the blame game and the hate will continue for a while, buckle up!
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