People are condemning the PTI government’s decision for removing Dr Atif Mian from the advisory council because of his sect.
Islamabad (Pakistan Point News – 7th September, 2018) Giving in to the pressure of extremist elements in the country, the government on Friday asked economist Dr Atif Mian to step down from Economic Advisory Council (EAC).
In a tweet on Friday, Senator Faisal Javed informed, “Atif Mian was asked to step down from the Advisory Council and he has agreed. A replacement would be announced later.”
This decision from the government has initiated a new debate. People are condemning the PTI government’s decision for removing Dr Atif Mian from the advisory council because of his sect.
Commenting on the development, actor and staunch PTI supporter Hamza Ali Abbasi said “If the objection is on Ahmedis calling themselves Muslims, then a constitutional amendment was made to declare them Non-Muslims so the issue could be resolved. If they disagree to this amendment, which is their right, then they know better and Allah knows better. What happened with Atif Mian was wrong!”
Prime Minister Imran Khan had constituted a high-level 18-member Economic Advisory Council (EAC) to ensure that the best possible professional advice is available to the government to inform, optimise and synergise the formulation and implementation of its economic and financial policies.
The Council comprised some of the most erudite and well-respected experts, academics and practitioners of the field, including Dr Atif Mian, who belongs to the Ahmadi sect.
Atif Mian’s appointment had since then sparked an outrage from the conservative sections of society.
The government had earlier defended his appointment but today, in a surprise move, it asked the economist to step down from the advisory council.
