Tania Aidrus, Dr Zafar Mirza resign from post as SAPM

Tania Aidrus and Dr Zafar Mirza have both resigned from their post as Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) following immense criticism towards their nationalities and assests after the cabinet made that information public.

Tania Aidrus was appointed as the head of Digital Pakistan in December 2019 before being appointed as the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Digital Pakistan in February 2019.

In her resignation letter to the Prime Minister, she mentions that her Canadian nationality is a “consequence of my birth and not an acquisition of choice” further saying that the the recent criticism levied towards the state due to her nationality is a distraction to her “ability to execute on the long term vision for a Digital Pakistan”.

Tania Aidrus ends her resignation letter saying:

I shall continue to serve your vision and Pakistan through initiatives both in the private and public domain, where possible. I will always be available for any assistance that you may see fit.

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

SAPM Dr Zafar Mirza resigns from Office

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Zafar Mirza has also resigned from office due to the same criticism directed towards the Prime Minister’s aides and the Government.

Dr Zafar Mirza in his tweet says:

I worked hard & 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.

Due to ongoing negative discussion about the role of SAPMs & criticism on the gov, I choose to resign. Pakistani people deserve a better health care. I have worked sincerely to contribute to this cause. 🇵🇰 will Inshallah emerge out of COVID-19 with a stronger hlth care system.
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) July 29, 2020