The special secretary to the prime minister, Dr Waqar Masood Khan has been appointed Federal Secretary Finance, according to a notification issued by the government. He replaces Ahmed Waqar who has gone on leave. The notification to this effect was issued after the meeting of the Economic Co-ordination Committee (ECC) on Tuesday.

Waqar Masood Khan prior to becoming special secretary to the prime minister was Secretary Economic Affairs. In the past he has served in the finance ministry as additional secretary finance and joint secretary. Dr Khan holds a PhD from Boston University, USA and a Masters degree from the Quaid-e-Azam University.

After serving finance secretary for five-and-a-half months, Ahmed Waqar had sought three months ex-Pakistan leave for personal reasons. Since federal finance secretary is a vital post and the country's economy is facing huge challenge of growing budget deficit, the prime minister reportedly felt that this position not be kept vacant, therefore, replacement was made. Currently, Dr Khan is Chairman Zarai Tarraqiati Bank, director on the board of National Bank and director of Saudi Pak Investment Company Ltd.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2008