The Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) has officially appointed Mehmood Arshad as the Chairman of its Economic Council. The decision was formalized by the newly-elected Board of Directors during their recent meeting in Karachi. Arshad, who already serves as a member of the EFP Board, brings an extensive background in financial services, corporate leadership, and economic diplomacy to the position.
In his professional capacity outside of the federation, Arshad serves as the Group Executive Director at Pak-Qatar Group. He also holds board positions at several other notable domestic and international organizations. The EFP leadership noted that his appointment is expected to strengthen the Economic Council’s capacity to lead high-level policy discussions and advocate for sustainable economic development across the country’s industrial landscape.
Upon accepting the role, Arshad emphasized that the Economic Council will prioritize two main objectives: the promotion of national exports and the attraction of foreign investment into Pakistan’s economy. He highlighted that the current geopolitical climate has significantly elevated Pakistan’s strategic importance, creating a unique window for economic growth. The Council plans to focus on identifying specific market opportunities and supporting initiatives that allow the private sector to capitalize on this shifting regional potential.
The Employers’ Federation of Pakistan remains a central body for bridging the gap between the private sector and government policymakers. Through the Economic Council, the EFP aims to continue its mission of improving the domestic business environment through research-based advocacy and informed dialogue. This appointment comes at a time when the Pakistani economy is showing signs of recovery in large-scale manufacturing and external accounts, making the Council’s role in policy formulation particularly critical.
Arshad’s leadership is expected to drive more active engagement between employers and the state, ensuring that the private sector’s voice is integrated into national economic planning. As the country seeks to broaden its Shariah-compliant financing base and deepen its industrial roots, the expertise Arshad brings from the Pak-Qatar Group is anticipated to be a significant asset in fostering innovative economic solutions.
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