Pak B-School Cancels Ahamadiya Economist’s Lecture
A Pakistan-based business school was forced to cancel an online seminar with well-known economist Dr Atif Mian following pressure from extremist groups.
Dr Mian, who belongs to the Ahmadiya community, was slated to speak on “Why has economic growth fallen behind in Pakistan?” at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) in Karachi. However, the seminar was scrapped due to threats from extremists.
“Dr Atif R. Mian’s lecture “Why has economic growth fallen behind in Pakistan?” scheduled on November 5, 2020 has been cancelled. Inconvenience is highly regretted,” IBA Karachi tweeted.
Dr Mian also confirmed the news about his seminar.
“Sorry to report that my zoom economics seminar at IBA Karachi has been cancelled due to threats that the university administration was facing from extremists. My very best wishes and prayers are with the students of IBA,” Mian tweeted.
Back in September 2018, Atif Mian was asked to quit Imran Khan’s Economic Advisory Council within days of his appointment for being a member of the Ahmadiya community, Dawn reported.
So much for Imran Khan’s claims to protect minorities of Pakistan. He could do nothing about the smear campaign that was launched on social media seeking Mian’s removal over his Ahmadiyya faith.
After Dr Mian’s announcement on IBA seminar, Wendy Gilmour, Canada’s high commissioner to Pakistan expressed regret over the development.
“I am very sorry to hear this. An opportunity lost for the students and wider interested community,” Gilmour tweeted.
This news comes after a UK-based All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Ahmadi Muslim Community had revealed details about the discrimination the Ahmadiyya community has been facing in Pakistan.
In August the report titled “Suffocation of the Faithful – the persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan and the rise of International Extremism” said that persecution against the peace-loving community intensified following the partition of the Indian subcontinent and the formation of Pakistan. (ANI)
