Dr Imtiaz appointed chief economist

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has appointed Dr Imtiaz Ahmad as Pakistan’s new Chief Economist, filling a position that had remained vacant for several years. The appointment was made through an official notification issued by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives on April 3, 2025.

According to the notification, Dr. Ahmad has been transferred and posted as Chief Economist (BS-22) in the Ministry of Planning with immediate effect. This appointment follows his recent promotion from grade-21 to grade-22, which was approved by a high-powered board and subsequently assented to by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The move ends the acting charge previously held by PIDE Vice Chancellor Dr Nadeem Javaid.

Dr Imtiaz Ahmad, a career economist belonging to the Economist Group, previously served as Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Finance before his elevation to this key position. With his retirement due in 2032, he is expected to hold this prestigious post for an extended period. The last substantive appointment to this position was made during the PTI government in January 2019, when Ijaz Wasti was appointed as Chief Economist. However, Wasti retired shortly after assuming office upon reaching the age of superannuation.