Pakistan Mourns Passing of Dr. Shamshad Akhtar
— December 27, 2025
ISLAMABAD (AIA) President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, praising her outstanding contributions to economic governance and financial management.
Dr. Akhtar, who served as the first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan from 2006 to 2009, was a renowned economist and public servant who played a pivotal role in shaping Pakistan’s economic policies. Her leadership extended to key positions, including caretaker Finance Minister and Chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Tributes poured in from across the nation, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb describing her as a “principled and dignified voice” in Pakistan’s economic history. Dr. Akhtar’s legacy is marked by her commitment to strengthening financial institutions and promoting economic stability.