IT is a moment of pride and felicitation for every Pakistani that Shamshad Akhtar, a renowned economist and former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, has been appointed UN Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Economics and Social Affairs.

Ms Akhtar’s elevation to this prestigious post strengthens the fact that Pakistani nationals are no less than those of any other nation in excellence, professionalism and expertise. Her reaching this celebrated slot has impressed upon the world that Pakistanis can lead the globe towards a happy and prosperous place.

Ms Akhtar, a seasoned economist with over 30 years of global experience, has an impressive track record of policy-making and implementation in the field of economics, development and finance.

During her term as SBP Governor, she was nominated for the award of Asia’s Best Central Bank. Asian Wall Street Journal, in 2008, ranked Ms Akhtar as one of the top 10 Asian women professionals. She has served in various capacities in the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

She has been handed over the office at a time when the task she has been assigned is of crucial importance during the global financial turmoil.

However, she has a rich and broadbased development experience at her hands and does possess courage to do justice with her job.

TASSAWUR BOSAL Mandi Bahauddin