Mr Atif Mian As a Pakistani, I feel so ashamed for my nation. Hope you can forgive us, although you are as much a Pakistani as the rest of us are. May be one day, you shall get to serve Pakistan which will be good for Pakistan and you; Ameen!

Great.

Both as a Pakistani and a muslim... I feel deeply embarassed and sorry. I don’t know if my country will ever rise above this. Hope for better from PTI.

As a Muslim and a Pakistani living in US, I find this very discouraging to say the least. Even I don't want to help help Pakistanis if they have these kind of feelings and sentiments for minorities. We get treated equal citizens in foreign countries with a few exceptions and that's what we want for minorities in Pakistan as well. Good luck Imran Khan. You are on your own.

Merit. Imran.. merit.

My deepest respect for Asim Ijaz Khwaja for his protest against what was done to Atif Mian. If others follow, some counter weight will be added against the extremists.

Highly disappointed by how we as a nation treated one of our own.

So what should be done with the Pakistanis of non muslim faith,or they not pakistani?should we banish them?is this what islam teaches us about minorities?think pakistan now we hav the time .

Mr. Atif Mian I for one support you 110%, the religious fanatics win the battle against the war, generally speaking people are lacking the education but trust me one day we'll be broad minded with thoughts for Pakistan FIRST. Don't be disappointed and continue your great work in serving Pakistan.

What a shame... We all are Pakistani.. no one is allowed to question that.

Thank you Sir, You are great person at heart.

Sad

Dear Atif Mian, you make us proud. Unfortunately, it is a big loss for Pakistan. Hope the country wakes up to the threat from the useful extremists who are hell bound to destroy the country and its reputation. Salute to Dr. Asim Khawaja for standing up to the bigotry and prejudice and cowardness of the govt.

It appears as though Pakistan will always be backward. We cannot expect to do international business if Christians, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs and Shiites who travel here must fear for their lives. We will just become poorer and poorer.

Sad commentary on our "Islamic" republic!

Half of the the mullahs are lucky if they can count to ten. They don't know how to run an economy but they do know how to ruin one.

so what he was Ahmadiya? is this going to be the standard for competence? MERIT HAS TO BE THE RULE AND NOT AN EXCEPTION in Naya Pakistan. Plus who are these Mullahs to call someone a Muslim or not? can someone ask them if they are?

This is not as much a problem for the good professor as it is for those who gave in to pressure and do not know right from wrong.

This is our nya Pakistan.

Very sad. These clerics are traitors

Govt should not accept his resignation. He is a Pakistani and his credentials speaks for itself. Getting pressured by those Mullah is not an option. Those Mullah type can accept Corrupt Ishaq Dar but not willing to Accept qualified Pakistani individual is a shame. So Sad.

Atif Mian ‘s tweet is A big slap on the face of extremists of this country !They are declaring him an infidel and traitor while he is wishing best for Pakistan despite all this rubbish treatment met to him .

Atif Mian, a great man. The religious group should be ashamed after Mian’s this statement.

A person renowned and respected the world over cannot serve his country because of his religious beliefs. This is Pakistan’s loss. Naya Pakistan worse than old Pakistan.

Shame on this spineless Pakistani leadership. Please handover government to TLP's Khadim Razvi Sahib or Molana Diesel, they understand religion more than you.

Bad decision by PTI, this guy was what Pakistan needed.

deep down my heart is broken , there is no freedom in pakistan for minority. he is a brightest econonomist yet he can't serve his country because he is ahmadi. so sad.

Today, my bags are packed and I shall be leaving Pakistan, and will only return if and when we can treat everyone as human beings without prejudices.

@Patriot Once again a sad day for Pakistan

Sad day for Pakistan! IK can't turn around the lack of education and tolerance in one day. I am still hopeful for a better Pakistan, but today... Not a good day!

@Patriot read Useless Mullahs....

@Aziz Shameful remark for a renowned proud Pakistani.

What a disappointment!!!!!! Govt. may think that removing one person from economic council is minor thing. But in doing so Govt. has created more space to religious extremism which is root cause of all issues.

Mr. PM enough nonsense about Sate of Medina, leaders supposed to lead not bow down under pressure. You have compromise with fanatics and they have no boundaries!!!

Below are from Pact of Medina:

The security (dhimma) of God is equal for all groups.

Non-Muslim members have equal political and cultural rights as Muslims. They will have autonomy and freedom of religion.

Wrong decision by pti.but allowing extremists to come on the streets when country needs stability more than anything was a wise decision.once pti gains strength surely we can control these extremists in a better way and minorities can walk in pakistan with freedom

It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare. - Mark Twain

This happens when someone is installed instead of being elected.

Mr. Asim Ijaz Khawaja is a man of conscience. However, there would not be an Economic Advisory Council if everyone started following the dictates of conscience. I would like to think that all members of Economic Advisory Council are enlightened people and would like to work with Mr. Atif Mian. However, Pakistan is facing the ideological baggage of 7 decades, therefore, it is very difficult for Imran Khan to maintain stability and steer the country in right direction as well. I request Mr. Asim Ijaz Khawaja to reconsider his position and serve the people of Pakistan.

Shame shame on you Pakistan!!! For treating your own like this . Shame on you Mr. PM who I believed was a voice of reason Yet another dark day in the history of Pakistan

It’s a start, see how difficult to rule this country,

Utterly disgraceful. The extremists have won again despite PTI's posturing to the contrary. Overseas Pakistanis are rapidly becoming disillusioned with PTI's performance. The honeymoon is almost over with nothing concrete - except for a tree planting campaign and a couple of sermons on Madina's riasat - to show for. Spate of dubious decisions - the US Secretary of State's phone call fiasco, DPO Pakpattan's transfer, Chakwal's PTI MNA forcing Patwaris' transfers and the treasury continuing to haemorhage funds according to the State Bank. Wake up PTI and get to work.

unjust and unfair. What happened to merit?

Imran Khan you have a vision to create law and order like Madina. Well Sir you need to Man up I am your supporter but what you did today is not acceptable no matter what you say in your speech. Mullahs from day 1 have been a problem in our country and still are, I thought you think beyond imagination but by taking this step hmmm doubts are in the Air. The literate people can't digest this and won t. Country is not run on religion but great institutes and strong democracy.

We are happy to take help from other non muslims such as Christians, Sikhs, Hindu, but not a Ahmadi, why? Maybe we need to tell people that the Quaid added the white part of the flag to give representation to the minorities in our Islamic republic.

A very realistic decision for not giving the opportunist to divide this country at this stage.Thanks Mr Atif and time will come when these opportunist will finally come into fold of Quaid's Pakistan.

I am deeply disappointed. Expected a lot better from PTI leadership then to succumb to a bunch of ignorant and intolerant religious fanatics and hooligans.

Sad state of affairs when people incapable of manufacturing a needle hold this much power.

A really shameful act by this new Government. On the one hand they want overseas Pakistanis to assist Pakistan by sending remittances and know how and then on the other they treat us like this.

There is a more serious point. We Pakistanis in the west, rightly condemn acts of racism and Islamophobia against us and against Pakistan in general. What do we say now that Pakistan has basically legitimised institutional discrimination?

Not in my name - therefore I cannot support any drive by the PM to help Pakistan unless such decisions are reversed and Government grows a backbone and stands up to extremists and terrorists..

So much for not bowing to threats by extremists.

Mian Atif, you love a country who disrespected the greats like Dr Abdus salam, Sir zafarullah khan etc. This is not the Pakistan of Jinnah's vision.

Celebrated Pakistani economist Atif Mian can work at a foreign bank or university.

One word SHAME

i am totally ashamed of this move

disgusting move by new govt

Thank you Mr Mian we have no doubt in your sincerity but there are extremes in the country & others are corrupt to destabilize the country. There should be complete elimination of these so called religious crooks.

Atif Mian, my sympathies are with you. We thought imran khan will bring bright changes for betterment of county, but he proved us wrong, a power greedy!

We as Pakistanis should be proud of him, and ignore the narrow minded religious mafias. Trust me, Princeton is not a Micky Mouse school but one of the top ten uni's on earth.

Let's be honest, most of us do not know who makes these decisions and then reverses them, there are so many such incidents lately and the ones who do know, ain't saying nothing.

Thank you PTI for letting us know too early where do your inclinations lie..

I don't know what division has been avoided by dismissing an economist on the basis of his faith; for me the division is very much there to stay and it will only grow worse...

Listen to me PTI !

The departure of Atif Mian and Asim Ejaz Khwaja from EAC and their statements are resounding slaps on your face. I hope that you and the bigoted nation would feel its pain for some time.

This is neither Quaid's Pakistan nor a State like Madina, whick Imran Khan has been clamouring about. This is Mullaistan or better Jahalistan where ignorance is glorified and wisdom discarded. Please do not make tall claims because all of you are opportunists given to short cuts and personal gains.

Now bring Maulana Fazulrehman, Khadim Hussain Rizvi and Mr. Sirajul Haq into the EAC and enjoy the rest of your tenure.

Mian ATIF, you are too good for this country, Its a big loss for Pakistan, Religious zealots have won who basically want to take Pakistan back into 7th century. May you win the Noble prize in Economics in near future, all decent Muslims of Pakistan are praying for your exceptional success.

Dont see how we can progress with so called scholars pulling us back each and every way. These guys should be locked up in some cave where they belong.

Such a shameful act by our extremist believers!

For Naya Pakistan I would like to donate two goats , a camel and few dinars. I would like to not stray from my dreams of Riayasat-e -Madina . Please don't ask for my dollars or my help.

Thoroughly disgusted with bigoted and self defeating decision of PTI.

I am deeply embarrassed. I wonder when we will get rid of this virus of religious fanaticism.

I cannot believe that this is happening in this day and age. Why do pakistanis care more about the people across the LOC, and stand up for the so called injustice against the umma, when they dont support their own countyman

Will take time for pakistan to break free of this mentality. To be honest, I dont think government had a choice, they cannot go head on with the extremists. Not yet at least...baby steps

I feel sorry as a Muslim as Radicles ridicule Islam.

My humble request to all minorities to find better place to settle down other than Pakistan. Pakistan will never be riyasat of Medina. My last hope for a better Pakistan has shattered. My heart is broken.

What a class, what a gentlemen, Mr Atif Mian!

All Pakistanis have equal rights whether they be qadiani, hindu, sikh, christian, shia, hazara or other minorities. No one is above anyone. It is unfortunate that same people who are making this issue forgetting very basic teaching of Islam. This narrow mindedness has unfortunately deprived our nation from such talented people. The bigotry, hate and extremism that started during Zia's era will take many generations to over come. Sir, I wish you the best and while it is sad, please continue to represent this country in a positive way and don't let these handful of extremist tarnish your love for this country. Peace!

Shame on you Mr so called PM of Naya Pakistan

@Imtiaz unfortunately extremists will not bother. Ultimate loss is for Pakistan, which is also victory for extremists.

Govt. shown weakness right at the start. It was a litmus test to show its treatment to minorities. We have let ourself down as a nation.

Feeling deeply ashamed and helpless.

What a sad moment..I feel sorry and ashamed that religious zealots has taken over our PTI/political system as well as the Army, Judiciary..no one is able to stand up to these hypocrats who are imposing their agenda which is against the teachings of our beloved prophet (PBUH)

Wow we blame the western countries for discriminating against minority faiths. As a Muslim country, what sort of example of acceptance for other faiths are we displaying? Don’t let the uneducated so-called “religious” parties ruin the country please!!! Islam is not about intolerance or judgment...

I am soon ashamed at this moment that I am unable to defend May country and religion on this subject. In Canada no one has the power and guts to ask any Muslim, or any other faith, to resign because of his or her faith or religious believe. This new Government in Pakistan is gutt less and ready PLEASE all pressure groups.

Great going PTI!

Lets replace these 2 economists with 2 well respected mullahs! This way there wont be any protest and unity will be preserved.

Ask Bilawal and Shahbaz Sharif to come forward and question the dismissal in a democratic way

This really Sad. What a shame. If this person is a talented individual then let him play his role in 'Naya Pakistan'. Naya Pakistan is for all Pakistanis.

We have failed as a nation and once again the politics of divisions and hatred has won the day! Naya Pakistan.......no where to be seen......

great embarrassment. I live and work abroad. As a muslim, how can I expect or demand my non muslim govt. and employer to treat me equally. Give me equal opportunity to work with out discrimination. Imran Khan has boxed himself in. It's a shame.

Don't know what is the message Minister Fawad is trying to give to minorities. Does he mean that they have to believe in the Khatm-i-Nabuwwat too?

I am ashamed of the so called pious Muslims who wanted religious minorities to not to play any constructive role in the development of Pakistan. I being from a religious minority community, felt that I must leave this country, as I am no longer expected to serve Pakistan.

Probably time to identify who the real adversaries are for Pakistan.

Remember David Camroon, who resigned immediately on finding public opinion against his feeling or thinking. So, removing a man from your own choice is against the wish of the public (because, otherwise, how did you decide to appoint hi)so, in short, isn't this a similar situation and being a man of principle, please think, are you really comfortable to continue. Because the failure of your decision about setting a council and then removing a man at the very first obstacle means, you will have to take many u turns in future.

We lost a scholar because of our madness

IK tried. Question is, are majority of Pakistanis with the mullahs or IK on this subject? I think majority are with the mullahs otherwise IK would not have caved in.

A very sad indeed. I thought Imran Khan has a nerve to stand up to these kind of situation...

Dear Atif Mian..... I apologize to you on behalf of our nation, which unfortunately is still hostage to good for nothing so called Muslim clerics.... you are the only one who has come out of this episode with your reputation enhanced.

Where does it say in Quran or in Hadith that Non-Muslims cannot be advisers? Most of these Religious Political Groups & their followers need to be educated. Otherwise they will always be a bottleneck of our country's success. These Mullahs' education board (if they have one) needs massive improvement.

In the last election Pakistani people rejected religious parties and chose PTI. Then why should the PTI government consider these religious parties as any danger ? If they protest arrest them. One who reject equal humanity of another citizen shouldn’t enjoy any rights anywhere.

A graceful response to a disappointing and cowardly decision by Govt.

Welcome to Naya Pakistan!

How govt. will run next five years against this extremists, every time they bow down the pressure. ? I think this very weak govt compare to Nawaz shrif govt.

Sorry Atif The no of intolerants exceed more than normal people but no is increasing

This country did not honor the only Noble prize winner of this country. They do not deserve your services. I hope the other advisors appointed from USA also resign in protest..

Honesty in your moderation is important.

We are with you - We still have long way to go

Trying to understand. What Economics has to do with religion:

IK is asking money for dam from overseas Pakistanis. What if non-Muslim govt put ban on sending money to Muslim countries because of religion

A great loss. So ashamed as a Pakistani and as a Muslim. Seems Naya Pakistan is a dream that will remain just a dream.

@Najum you mean Selected instead of Elected?

Still trying to figure out what role faith plays in the economic advise for the running of day to day government affairs!

This is a wrong decision, but at the right time. With so many issues at hand, now is not the time to give opportunistic mullahs a chance to come on the street against Imran Khan. I hope 10 years from now, and after two terms of PTI, radicalization will be on the decline and minorities will have equal share in this country. I am sorry Mr Atif. I feel for you. You are a proud Pakistani.

@Sarai Alamgir , time to change white to black to represent the current situation of minorities

Welcome to Naya Pakistan where beards are more respected than brains.

@Nasser Being an highly qualified expatriate professional belonging to a humble background and a marginalized community, who love his country, I most vehemently support your esteemed comments. May be our nation new generation getting educated and more enlightened in future, come out of this cocoon of hate, prejudices, and myopic behavior based upon color, ethnicity, creed, culture, sectarianism, and faith related issues soon for the betterment of the country and its people at large.

Well now you know who rules Pakistan. The mullahs dictate. Good luck. Hang on tough !

What an unfortunate decision!

Feel real sorry for the great son of Pakistan. Ik you failed on your promise bringing the change if you can’t stand-up for the my beloved Pakistan. Humble advise go back to banigalla. Don’t deserve to be the captain of the nation.

He is a very renowned economist. If Pkistan doesnt need him, than its their loss. Am sure any foreign bank or even Indian multinationals will hire him, if he agrees. Good luck. Hang on tough

@Nasser

I wish the people who criticises will feel ashamed of it.im from and have love for Pakistan and its people but this thing has hurt me.

I totally agree with Nasser comments below that both as a Muslim and a Pakistani, I feel ashamed as well for this action.

Thank you. Pakistan comes first for everyone. I hope Mr Atif Mian can still provide good economic advice to the government of Pakistan without being a part of the council. That will be the ultimate sacrifice for Pakistan and I am sure if this helps Pakistan in the long run, coming generations will certainly appreciate and pray for his work.

And as always, the country moves another 100 years back in development. Sad event.

While in principle this is a bad decision by the Government, it should not have chosen this large council with such fan fare in the first place. The Government does not need so many of these guys who are mostly redundant. Their academic writings, recommendations, and backgrounds are well known. What Imran Khan really need is 2 to 3 economic advisers with deep knowledge of economics as well as political savy who understand the Pakistani political economy and ethos so that they can advise how to do something rather than what to do. Every one of these economists in the Council can tell you what to do, very few of these guys can tell you how to do it in a parliamentary democracy as none of them has worked under such a system, they mostly worked under Musharraf.

Heartbreaking,so helpless to do anything for u.

New Pakistan is making

All modern day inventions are by the west — so why not stop using cars, aeroplanes, cell phones, air conditioners, medicines, etc since all these are by non Muslims. Pathetic !

Sad day for Pakistanis. Victory for the intolerant and religious bigots. I wish PPP had never ventured into the debate of Qaidianis. This is not Quaid e Azams Pakistan.

Very sad

proud of u for ur true and genuine feelings for Pakistsn and your wishes for Ik. Proud of u for being a true pakistani who thinks beyond his personal benefits. A great Pakistsni and great person.

I salute Atif Mian and Asim Ijaz Khawaja for their personal and professional integrity. I suggest that all persons selected for the PM’s Economic Advisory Council should resign in protest and should refuse to work with a government which has no backbone to fight the dark and regressive forces wanting to keep Pakistan in the Stone Age. This is a first major betrayal and an act of cowardice on part of the PTI government. Any positive expectations are no more

What a man, love and respect from Manchester.

The government had decided to take a U-turn on the nomination of Dr Mian to the EAC "because it wanted to avoid Faizabad type Dharnas".

Our religious clerics give the impression as if all the no muslins are conspiring against Pakistan and Islam. But do we really need enemies? We don’t. We are our own worst enemies. We have no problem when top guns of the country go abroad for medical treatment by the non Muslims But when an Ahmedi wants to treat our ailing economy we have issues with it. Surely, we don’t deserve a better fate

Please bring him back as Advisor or some other capacity. we need all help we can get. We should all fight for Merit only regardless of faith.

Great response from an honorable scholar who is demonized by his country's bigots

Mr Atif i m sorry from behave of my nation n also diappointed from my govt n IK that these mullas ll rule everything very depressed one more thing i m not ahmadi my feelings are as pakistani n pakistani only

Well done Asim Ijaz Khwaja, hope the other members of EAC have the decency and courage to follow your example.

Atif Mian. You are good man.

Truly shameful ... The blame lies with the religious groups and not PTI. However PTI bowed this unfair pressure. Prof. Atif Mian is a class act...great response from him.

We are sorry sir for what we did to you. You are much better Pakistani then what we are. I

It's sad to read all these comments.Pakistanis still do not know that the real competency Imran Khan had was that he could run very fast for about 15 yards and throw a ball over arm.

What part of that is not clear?

One Step Forward then Three Steps Backwards! Shame,Shame!

Sad to say but, my optimism for this government was short lived. The reigns of the leadership is quite literally in the hands of extremely biased religious folk. Two best people have left the council. Imran Khan will now lose good will from expats, including funding for dam.

We will not bow to the extremists - said earlier by Fawad Chaudhry. I think he should avoid now in the future to make big claims at first if they have to back track later on. If these things are very sensitive in Pakistan some religious scholars should be taken into confidence before making firm decisions and announcing them. I personally feel services of Mian Atif should have been taken to help Pakistan Economy regardless of his school of thought as he is a Pakistani too.

Very disappointed as a Pakistani and as Muslim. I now have more respect for Mir Atif than those who oppose him.

Sorry.

I thought IK was the last hope for Pakistan. it turned out he had feet of clay. A misguided decision giving preference to bigoted extremists over a Pakistani born educated economist, a professor from a topnotch university because of his faith.

How can you treat Pakistanis of such repute like this and expect overseas Pakistani to donate to Pakistan. This is a shameful day when I am embarrassed to be a Pakistani.

naya Pakistan again compromised its pledge to give due share for minorities. As former parties do.

It is another sad day in Pakistan History. I can never understand why the liberal people of Pakistan living in Pakistan did not raise their voice against this injustice.

A day will come, when this nonsense will be past follies. Profession has nothing to do with religion. How many kadiani officers and men fought for pakistan and paid with their lives. We are thankful to them. Only religious parties make issue of such matters, as they have no other relevance.

he was here to serev the country his believe should not matter we need educate people

In his address on the armed services day the Prime Minister promised to follow merit in all appointments. Where is his backbone, didn't take long for his U-turn once again. The religious extremists should not be allowed to determine the course of this nation, otherwise we are back to square one. What happened to the nia Pakistan so soon?

I will be damned if I send money for any dam fund. Totally disgusted.

No loans adviser can change the basic reality. Loans HAVE to be repaid. With interest. Period.

Again what a loss X2. Sad

Another ill-judged and unfair Dr Abdus Salam moment, history repeats itself. Not only that, it shows that our mentality and hence our fortunes haven't changed..

Very sad state of affairs. Aren't minority religious groups citizens of Pakistan, too? How can ignorant and narrow minded mullahs dictate to the government and pollute the public's minds with hatred? Does the government in Pakistan no longer have writ and authority?

Dr Atif Mian please forgive us for the disgrace full behavior As a Pakistani with over 50 years of USA experience in water supply I was planning to help alleviate water shortage for free Now I am having second thoughts when Mullas rule

Another Abdus Salam replay. You have an intellectual who practices Ahmadi faith pleading to serve the nation which does not respect his faith and insults him deliberately. The constitution is the DNA of laws. If the constitution is not secular this will be the outcome.

The issue is not minorities, we have lot of peoples from different faith serving in top positions, what about Rana Bhagwandas, Chief Justice. No one ever objected. The issue here is different.

Discrimination on the basis of faith is unconstitutional.

Time to say goodbye to PTI.

Which world we are living in? Some fake maulvis have hijacked Pakistan and won again.

What a shame? When will we grow up!

@Nasir Khilji I fully agree with you. We badly need people who translate economic plan, prepared by experts into the reality. As you have rightly pointed out we definitely lack expertise in this sector which is evident from the financial mess the country finds itself in. The EEC for all practical purposes a step forward in the right direction but must not include those who have been part & parcel of status quo. New blood will bring new vigor, energy & direction for change which the new government is striving & majority of people of this country are longing for. Since there is no short cut to it, we have to go through a set of of stringiest curing options required. These may include sizable reduction in government including development expenditures, doing away with subsidies, devaluation of our currency, raising interest rates, widening of income tax net, & tax reforms. To implement this we need a team of professionals free from influence of political expediency. Unfortunatly we lack it

Mr. Asim Ijaz Khwaja, yours is a good decision. Other members nominated on the committee should come forward and condemn the government decision for the removal of Atif Mian based on his religion. Regarding the overseas supporters of PTI, which include myself, who were so charmed with Imran Naya Pakistan should reassess their support and not fall for the sweet words that have no standing.

We had high hope for the new administration and we were serious about packing our bags and coming home ...after watching Atif Mian episode I realized how impossible it would be for me and my family to come back and call this place our own. I was encourage by the initial stand but now my heart is broken just like many others...I understand their predicament I saw it first hand on the social media and newspapers but I have given up ...now I am going back to life as usual ...like many others I don't feel charitable for this mob if they have to starve so be it.

Whatever happens to “IK merit” statement?

@Nasser perfect expression, agree.

Such a sad moment for Pakistan. One of our brilliant minds is serving in the US, and we deny him a chance to work for his country. Him being on the advisory council would have made such a difference. We have to stop capitulating to the mullahs.

Is it a step backward?

Naya Pakistan? Is this the manner to build Naya Pakistan, Imran? Superb.

Z.A.Bhutto bowed to the Mullahs and what happened to hom? I am afraid for Imran Khan.

He is working in a prestigious Western University, but won't allow to serve in his own native country, shame on you Naya Government.

Feel sorry for you man. I hope they are able to use your services in some form or other.

my respect to you Mr. Atif M, Pakistan and majority of Pakistani love you, because you are intelligent and Pakistani

@PakCanuck

Mr. PakCanuck,

You mean:

Mr. Maulana Fazlur Rehman (JUI/MMA) and Mr.

Sirajul Haque (Jamat-e-Islami/MMA).

Are both of them world known economists and

have calibre to run/rule a country?

As I Pakistan it's embarrassing for me. Govt should have not taken a step back on his nomination for the sake of mullahs only.

Now, mullahs will issue a fatwa against Mr.Asim Kwajah.

Feel extremely let down today because of Imran Khan and PTI. They have shown that they discrimine people based on religious belief . They have also shown that they are hypocrites as well. They talk about upholding the Medina Charter which gives minorities their equal rights in the community , but in practice do the opposite. I wish Imran Khan had the guts to stand up for he believes in. They say actions speak louder than word. Imran khan has shown he does not have the leadership qualities to lead from the front when faced with strong adversaries , even when he is on high moral ground.

Expected better things from Imran Khan. This is pathetic, spineless govt. Retracting at this level will embolden these extremists. I am no longer PTI's supporter after this decision. I have lost all the hope for betterment.

Paks needs advisers who can think outside the box. Not those who can only lock them down in the IMF Box!

All recall this is same IK who refused to use words “Terrorist” and “TTP” in same sentence! Expect more of same since PTI is afraid of Mullahs!

Respect Sir. The country turned it's back on you not to gain but to lose, yet again.

The World recognizes and respects you as a renowned Specialist and the Pakistani Gov. refuses to endorse you committee that works for the betterment of the Country. There has to be some thing wrong with us you are not the first one and you will not be the last . Shame on us all. Surely they would take your donation for IK pledge. Shame on us again.

Sad and embarrassing news. Government has made this decision to please the radical group in the society.

@Socrates Love you comments. You nailed it.

Love you Bro. You are a true Pakistani with no ifs & buts.

So much talk of IK being a strong leader. The early euphoria made IK see distant dreams overlooking the boundaries marked for civilan govts (like for all other earlier ones). His field of play is within those boundaries.

PTI government is a joke

This is a travisty! What does a competent man's faith have to do with his ability to serve in his field of competency? The mullahs of Pakistan are totally out of control and they must be reigned in.

@Bill 100% agree with you.

Salute to u Mr. Khawaja for standing up against injustice and bigatory of this government who fooled the nation of fair governance

A man's belief is his personal affair and nothing to do with his capabilities. The sooner we learn this, the better off we'll be. Until then we'll come across as a bigoted and ignorant entity.

You are very gracious to resign without protest. Probably it is their loss.

At least now, people realized who is against Pakistan development. Enemies are not outsiders, they are Inside only

It is now clear that Imran Khan is a person having a typical Mullah mentality. With this discrimination, Pakistan cannot progress. This primitive and narrow thinking he will not get any response from overseas Pakistanies.

This is the reason for all problems in Pakistan.

Such discrimination in 21st century is a shame.

This just exposes our extremism ... I dont't blame the Govt. They appointed him without considering his beliefs but it was the "educated" class that rose up against him. Imagine what a common man holds than. Its a society of extremists now.

Dr. Atif Milan is a renowned economist in the world.pakistan needs him most now.Its very unfortunate that in the begining of the tenure , new govt is trapped badly and very least can be expected from them.

Atif you must still do it without being on the committee

we never expect Mr.Khan for such an immature move.. pathetic we should be thankful if he were ready to serve Pakistan(respect)...

@Ravindra The take off is the hardest and needs maximum care but once in the air the flight is smooth sailing and can take the plane anywhere.

Dr Mian, you will be back on panel in a few years when pakistan is changed alot.

Very unfortunate. Good statement by Atif Mian. Rubbish statement from Fawad Choudhary. He should not defend the indefensible.

@Syed S. Government asked him to resign.

Silly excuses, Fawad Sahib. The government and its people knew exactly about Atif Mians faith but what they forgot was how cowardly they actually are. You decision is not in the interest of any minority sect.

And we are worried about treatment to muslims around the world.

The PTI govt unwillingly done this and your views are like true Pakistani and there are others ways too for serving the homeland, thanks again.

What is so embarrassing if a decision by the government was reversed when it realized that Atif Mian's appointment violated the Constitution of Pakistan. However, the government should be criticized for this action without proper deliberation. Hope for the best!.

Love Pakistan a great deal, deeply desired to serve it: Atif Mian. Mr. Mian, you are very intelligent and extremely well educated So you must be well aware that you are very inferior when compared the worst Pakistani pure Patriot?

@Syed. Will you elaborate....what is different?

Mullahs only know how to run their economy they do not worry about the economy of Pakistan, so far as their busninss (of hate) running well in Pakistan

Professor Atif Mian. It's a pity that an intelectual and a highly qualified economist like you have to resign just because of your belief. I feel ashamed that just because of a handfull of blackmailers we have lost a gem like you. All I can say is that, we are sorry. The biggest Tabdeelee our country needs is not to deny appaointments on important posts because of religious beliefs or sacts.

@Khaled ,,, what great?

It is not Imran Khan has failed but we collectively as a society failed and will keep failing if we cave into abominable mullah's demands.

I am extremely disappointed at this decision . Pakistan is in a severe economic crisis and we need economists like Arif Mian to help us in solving these problems. Atif Mian is a proud Pakistani who stands ready to serve his country. I urgently ask the Government to reconsider the decision and reinstate Arif Mian to the Economic Council.

So, what's lesson learned from this misfortune? Simple, clear lack of understanding of the meaning of Pakistan. Jinnah visioned a Muslim state with complete freedom for all religion. Its a fact! Something being practiced for governance in Islamic history for centuries. Now, its the responsibility of academics at all levels of educational institutions to promote and correct this misunderstanding. Besides, media has a bigger role to play. Instead of just being critical, its time to promote better understanding and clear thoughts about the whole vision of Jinnah.