Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan Tania Aidrus and Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza have decided to step down from their posts amid criticism on dual national cabinet members.
These resignations came as a result of criticism by the opposition and civil society for the induction of dual nationals in the cabinet, which Prime Minister Imran Khan had always advocated against.
In a tweet, Aidrus said: "Criticism levied towards the state as a consequence of my citizenship status is clouding the purpose of Digital Pakistan".
In her resignation, Aidrus said she had come back to Pakistan with 'singular intent to contribute and develop the vision of a Digital Pakistan'.
"I always was and shall be a Pakistani."
Aidrus said that her Canadian nationality, a consequence of her birth and not an acquisition of choice, served as a distraction to her ability to execute the long-term vision for a Digital Pakistan. "It is unfortunate that a Pakistani's desire to serve Pakistan is clouded by such issues," she added.
Shortly after, Mirza's resignation followed. He said: "I worked hard and honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when Covid -19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort." He added that he had made the decision over the "negative discussion about the role of SAPMs and criticism of the government".
"Pakistani people deserve better healthcare. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. Pakistan will Inshallah emerge out of Covid-19 with a stronger healthcare system."
These resignations came as a result of criticism by the opposition and civil society for the induction of dual nationals in the cabinet, which Prime Minister Imran Khan had always advocated against.
In a tweet, Aidrus said: "Criticism levied towards the state as a consequence of my citizenship status is clouding the purpose of Digital Pakistan".
Criticism levied towards the state as a consequence of my citizenship status is clouding the purpose of Digital Pakistan. In the greater public interest, I have submitted my resignation from the SAPM role. I will continue to serve my country and the PM’s vision to my best ability pic.twitter.com/BWBvBvO6uz
— Tania Aidrus (@taidrus) July 29, 2020
In her resignation, Aidrus said she had come back to Pakistan with 'singular intent to contribute and develop the vision of a Digital Pakistan'.
"I always was and shall be a Pakistani."
Aidrus said that her Canadian nationality, a consequence of her birth and not an acquisition of choice, served as a distraction to her ability to execute the long-term vision for a Digital Pakistan. "It is unfortunate that a Pakistani's desire to serve Pakistan is clouded by such issues," she added.
Shortly after, Mirza's resignation followed. He said: "I worked hard and honestly. It was a privilege to serve Pakistan. I am satisfied that I leave at a time when Covid -19 has declined in Pakistan as a result of a grand national effort." He added that he had made the decision over the "negative discussion about the role of SAPMs and criticism of the government".
"Pakistani people deserve better healthcare. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. Pakistan will Inshallah emerge out of Covid-19 with a stronger healthcare system."