Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari has said that Atif Mian’s appointment as an adviser to the government would have been good as he was a leading economist, and that the issue of his appointment could have been dealt with in a better way.
Shireen Mazari made these comments while giving an interview to British journalist Mehdi Hasan about the rights of Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Mehdi Hasan pointed out that an Ahmadi spokesperson had stated that they did not have religious freedoms, and recent actions taken by authorities had made it impossible for Ahmadis to carry on with their lives.
Mazari replied that Ahmadis are non-Muslims according to the constitution, but had every right to practice their religion, come into politics, and contest elections on non-Muslim seats.
The host stated that if Ahmadis had to declare themselves non-Muslims to participate in public life, it could be said to be a form of apartheid.
Hasan then pointed out how Atif Mian, who was supposed to be a part of the economic advisory council was asked to step down.
The HR minister replied that Atif Mian’s case was unfortunate and could have been dealt with in a better way. She added, “If we knew it would have been son controversial, we would not have moved on with it.”
She further added that she thought him joining the council would have been good because he is a leading economist.
Shireen Mazari made these comments while giving an interview to British journalist Mehdi Hasan about the rights of Ahmadis in Pakistan.
Mehdi Hasan pointed out that an Ahmadi spokesperson had stated that they did not have religious freedoms, and recent actions taken by authorities had made it impossible for Ahmadis to carry on with their lives.
Mazari replied that Ahmadis are non-Muslims according to the constitution, but had every right to practice their religion, come into politics, and contest elections on non-Muslim seats.
The host stated that if Ahmadis had to declare themselves non-Muslims to participate in public life, it could be said to be a form of apartheid.
Hasan then pointed out how Atif Mian, who was supposed to be a part of the economic advisory council was asked to step down.
The HR minister replied that Atif Mian’s case was unfortunate and could have been dealt with in a better way. She added, “If we knew it would have been son controversial, we would not have moved on with it.”
She further added that she thought him joining the council would have been good because he is a leading economist.