Former federal minister, finance secretary and special assistant to prime minister Dr Waqar Masood Khan has passed away in Islamabad. He was 74, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
Dr Waqar Masood was regarded as the longest-serving finance secretary in the country’s history.
A distinguished economist, Dr Waqar Masood Khan was also a Hafiz-e-Quran. Alongside holding several prestigious positions in the federal government, he served as Special Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary Finance Division, Secretary Economic Affairs Division, Secretary Petroleum and Natural Resources, and Secretary Textile Industry.
He also authored two books on the subject of eliminating interest (riba).
He served on the boards of several local and international financial and banking institutions, including the State Bank of Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan, and the Islamic Development Bank. He also represented Pakistan at the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.
The late economist was PhD in Economics and Masters in Political Economy from Boston University, USA, as well as Masters in Economics and LLB from Karachi University, Dr Waqar Masood Khan had a wide-ranging experience of working with both public and private sectors.
President, PM offer condolences
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday expressed their deep grief over the death of former federal minister, secretary finance and prominent economic expert Dr Waqar Masood.
The president, who is in China on a visit, also expressed condolence with the bereaved family, President Secretariat Press Wing said in a press release issued in Islamabad.
The prime minister prayed for the high ranks of the departed soul in Jannah and expressed condolence with the bereaved family, PM Office Media Wing said in a press release.
The prime minister, who is also in London, said that late Waqar Masood’s contributions to the government of Pakistan would always be remembered.