Reza Baqir is a Pakistani economist who served as the 20th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, from 4 May 2019 to 4 May 2022.[1]

Reza Baqir
20th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan
In office
4 May 2019 – 4 May 2022
PresidentArif Alvi
Prime MinisterImran Khan (2019-2022)
Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif (2022)
Preceded byTariq Bajwa
Succeeded byMurtaza Syed
Personal details
BornLahore Punjab, Pakistan
ResidenceKarachi
Alma materHarvard University University of California at Berkeley
OccupationEconomist

Early life and education

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Reza Baqir was born to a Punjabi Arain family in Vehari. His father Chaudhary Sharif Baqir Arain was a very well known Barrister of Law and joined the PPP in 1988 and ran for the seat of National Assembly.[2] Baqir received his early education from Aitchison College, Lahore.[3]

He graduated from Harvard University magna cum laudeAB economics), and later obtained a PhD in economics at the University of California, Berkeley.[4][5]

Career

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Before his political career, Dr. Baqir held numerous positions in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These included being the Mission Chief for Romania and Bulgaria. He was also the IMF's Senior Resident Representative.

In 2019, President Arif Alvi appointed Baqir governor of the State Bank of Pakistan for a period of three years.[6] The appointment took place a day after his predecessor Tariq Bajwa was unexpectedly removed from his post.[7]

He currently is Managing Director and Practice Leader of Sovereign Advisory Services at Alvarez & Marsal in Dubai.[8]

Other activities

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References

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  1. ^ Dawn.com, Sanaullah Khan (4 May 2019). "IMF economist Dr Reza Baqir appointed SBP governor for 3 years". DAWN.COM.
  2. ^ "The background of Governor State Bank of Pakistan Raza Baqir (Updated)". 26 March 2022.
  3. ^ "Q Block: The Next Generation", Profit, Pakistan Today, July 18, 2021
  4. ^ "He's Reza Baqir, not undercover agent Baqir", Profit, Pakistan Today, April 4, 2021
  5. ^ Syed Raza Hassan (May 4, 2019), Pakistan appoints IMF official as new c.bank governor amid bailout talks Reuters.
  6. ^ "Reza Baqir Appointed as Governor SBP" (PDF). May 5, 2019. Retrieved May 8, 2019.
  7. ^ "UPDATE 1-Pakistan appoints IMF official as new c.bank governor amid bailout talks". Reuters. May 4, 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  8. ^ "Reza Baqir". Alvarez & Marsal. January 4, 2024.
  9. ^ Members International Monetary Fund (IMF).