Crypto and social media users have started an online campaign in which they ask Imram Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, to bring back pro-crypto adviser Zia Ullah Bangash.
Saturday, Bangash, who was the science, tech, and information technology adviser for Mahmood Khan, the chief minister of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, declared that he would resign due to “unavoidable circumstances.” Khan has yet to officially accept the resignation.
Bangash is seen by crypto fans as an important blockchain and digital currency supporter, and the news quickly went viral. Hours later, the hashtag #WeWantZiaBangashBack was trending on Twitter. There were over 23,900 tweets, with some users even saying they won’t vote for Khan in the 2023 election.
“He is the only one in politics who understands the crypto and technology,” tweeted Asad Shah, who also tagged the account of the PM.
“[Zia Bangash was the] only person who helped getting [sic] crypto back to our country,” tweeted Yasen Ali. “We want Zia Bangash back. @ImranKhanPTI Bring him or we won’t vote you next time.”
Some have speculated on the reasons for the sudden departure, with many supporting the idea that local mafia groups have put pressure on Bangash to leave as a way of stopping him from continuing his promotion of innovative technology.
“The person who got crypto in [KP] and working [sic] hard to get Facebook Monetization on in PAK, resigned, do you know why?” tweeted Waqar Zaka. “Cuz there are stupids in Govt who don’t want to do anything and will stop anyone like Zia too. We want him back @ImranKhanPTI.”
In his role as a tech adviser and crypto advocate, Bangash has often tweeted about government actions in Pakistan that may affect the regulatory environment for the crypto sphere.
“For nation progress, Pakistan needs digital revolution, and digital revolution needs @ZiaBangashPTI,” tweeted Mohammad Khan, who claimed to be a member of the social media team behind the country’s centrist political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, of which both Bangash and the PM are members. “@ImranKhanPTI @IMMahmoodKhan keep politics aside, don’t shatter our dreams and let Pakistan grow.”
Source: Cointelegraph.com