KARACHI: The Board of Management and staff of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) have expressed profound sorrow and grief over the sad demise of former SBP Governor Dr Shamshad Akhtar.
In a statement, the SBP said Dr Shamshad Akhtar made history as the first female Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. Her tenure was marked by exemplary leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to public service. The statement added that she rendered outstanding services to Pakistan and the international community through senior leadership roles at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the World Bank and the United Nations.
Extending heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues, the SBP said Dr Shamshad Akhtar would be remembered with deep respect and gratitude as a distinguished economist and a visionary leader whose contributions strengthened financial governance and development policy.
Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda also expressed deep grief over her passing. In a statement issued in Manila, he said, “It is with shock and disbelief that I learned of the passing of Dr Shamshad Akhtar. As a former Director General at ADB, she led with integrity, shaping key initiatives and laying a strong foundation for sustainable growth in the region.” He added that her leadership would continue to inspire the development community, and her loss would be deeply felt across ADB and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Energy Update team and Managing Editor M. Naeem Qureshi have also expressed deep condolences on the demise of Dr Shamshad Akhtar, paying tribute to her remarkable services to Pakistan’s financial and energy sector and her lasting legacy as a trailblazer, economist and public servant. They prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.
