Pakistan is preparing to nominate new Executive Directors (EDs) at the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank as the federal government forms a special committee, chaired by Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, to oversee the high-profile selections.
The move follows a reshuffle that left both posts vacant—Touqeer Shah stepped down from his World Bank assignment to take up a cabinet role as SAPM on PM Affairs, while Noor Ahmed completed his tenure at the ADB.
Well-placed sources suggest two senior bureaucrats, Imdad Ullah Bosal and Dr. Kazim Niaz, are among the top contenders. However, the final shortlist will be vetted by the committee before being sent to the Prime Minister for approval.
Serving as an ED at these multilateral lenders is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious foreign postings for Pakistani officials, offering not only strategic influence over international financing but also high salaries exceeding $25,000 per month, along with substantial benefits.
The World Bank seat is based in Washington, D.C., while the ADB post is located in Manila, making these assignments highly sought-after. An announcement is expected shortly once the committee completes its deliberations.