ISLAMABAD: The government on Friday appointed Tariq Bajwa as Secretary Finance and tasked him with the preparation of the budget.

“Tariq Bajwa, a BS-22 officer of Secretariat Group, presently posted as Secretary Economic Affairs Division is transferred and posted as Secretary, Fina­nce Division with immediate effect and until further orders,” a notification issued by the Establishment Division said.

The post of Secretary Finance fell vacant on January 20 after the retirement from service of Dr Waqar Masood Khan on reaching the age of 60 years.

The post of Secretary Economic Affairs Division – that fell vacant due to transfer of Mr Bajwa – was not immediately filled, a finance ministry spokesman said.

Likewise, the government is yet to fill two other crucial posts of Chairman Federal Board of Revenue and Chairman Privatisation Commission.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar felicitated Mr Bajwa on his appointment as Secre­tary Finance and said it was a challenging assignment and brought with it a significant level of responsibility.

In a statement, the finance minister expressed the hope that the new Secretary will prove equal to the challenge as he brings with him a wealth of experience of working in different key positions including Secretary Finance Depar­tment Punjab, Chairman Federal Board of Revenue and Secretary Economic Affairs Division.

Mr Dar said the new secretary’s immediate task is the preparation of next fiscal year’s budget and meeting the time lines of various ongoing reforms and initiatives.

Published in Dawn February 4th, 2017