ZUBAIR QURESHI
Dr Ishrat Husain former Governor of State Bank of Pakistan and ex-Adviser to former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Institutional Reforms and Austerity was showered with praise by panelists for doing his best to realize the dream of institutional reforms and good governance in the country during the Imran Khan’s government, which however went awry despite his best efforts.
To some extent, Dr Ishrat succeeded in reducing the number of government institutions from over 400 to 334 though he faced immense challenges in reforming the government structure, including down-sizing of the federal government employees, they held.
They were addressing the launching ceremony of ‘Economy, Welfare, and Reforms in Pakistan’ – Essays in Honour of Dr Ishrat Husain,’ and ‘Unravelling Gordian Knots: The Works and Worlds of Dr Ishrat Husain’, authored by Mr Sibtain Naqvi’.
The launching ceremony was organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) here.
Senator Dr Sania Nishtar while addressing as chief guest, said irrespective of the positive or negative response to his opinions and advice, or the success or failure in achieving his innovative policy ideas, Dr Husain never gave up his hard work and sincere efforts in the best interest of the people.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ishrat Husain said he met with immense challenges during his appointments on various positions, but he never compromised on his ideas and professionalism.
He advised the budding economists to never get tempted with overnight recognition and always focused on serious work that may give them true recognition. ”We must demolish the boundaries that restrict new talent and technical experts in organizational structures,” he added.
Dr Tariq Banuri asserted that the innovative approaches of Dr Husain for poverty elevation as a World Bank official have demonstrated great success in Africa, central Asia and South Asia.
Shaista Sohail, Executive Director of Higher Education Commission (HEC), was of the view that Dr Ishrat Husain would have transformed the institutional structure of the country, had he continued his career in civil services.
Chairman of Rural Support Programmes Network Shoaib Sultan Khan was of view that Dr Husain has made a remarkable contribution in social sector development and poverty alleviation programmes in South Asia. Former Foreign Secretary, Ambassador Riaz Mohammad Khan said that Dr Husain is an eminent international economist and development sector expert.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Abid Qayum Suleri, SDPI Executive Director, said the efforts of Dr Husain to bring about banking reforms especially in the State Bank of Pakistan will always be remembered.
