recorder report

ISLAMABAD: The government has reportedly appointed Miftah Ismail as Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance with the status of federal minister on Tuesday.

A notification issued stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, has been pleased to appoint, with immediate effect, Miftah Ismail as Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs, with the status of federal minister. Consequent upon his appointment as Adviser to the Prime Minister, Miftah Ismail, shall cease to hold the office of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Economic Affairs.”

Dr Miftah Ismail served as Chairman Board of Investment (BOI) from January 2014 to July 28, 2017 before being appointed as Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Economic Affairs.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi after taking the oath decided to make Miftah Ismail a member of his team and there were speculations that he would replace Finance Minister Ishaq Dar who is facing a reference in accountability court and is almost dysfunctional.

Miftah is holding a PhD degree in public finance and political economy and has also worked with the International Monetary Fund as an economist in the early 1990s before returning to country to work for his family business in 1993.