Ishaq Dar

Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar is the Federal Finance Minister of Pakistan. Apart from serving as Federal Minister for Finance, Commerce & Industries few times in the past has also served as the Leader of the Opposition, in the Senate. Professionally he is a chartered accountant and a leading financial expert.

He was educated at Government College University, Lahore, and Hailey College of Commerce, Punjab University, Lahore (1966–69). He was awarded two Gold Medals and a Roll of Honour for First position in B. Com (Hons) at the University of Punjab.

He started his career as a Trainee Chartered Accountant with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 1970, he became an Associate Member (ACA) of ICAEW in 1974, and of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Pakistan (ICAP) in 1975. His post qualification professional experience earned him Fellowship (FCA) of ICAEW in 1980 and of ICAP in 1984. Subsequently, he also became a Fellow Member (FPA) of the Institute of Public Finance Accountants of Pakistan. Currently, Senator Dar has been bestowed Life Membership of ICAEW in January 2012.

After having worked as Director Finance of a British Textiles Group in London during 1974–76, Senator Dar accepted an offer in 1976 of the Government of Libya, and joined as Senior Auditor in the Auditor General Department at Tripoli. On returning to Pakistan in Dec 1977, he became National Partner in a Chartered Accountants firm, having offices at Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, dealing with Tax, Corporate and Financial Management, audit and Consultancy maters of the clients, including public sector and public listed companies.

In 1980, he became Financial Advisor to a multinational construction company having operations in Pakistan, Libya, Iran, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. From 1989 till 1997 (except when a Minister), Senator Dar acted as chairman/chief executive and/or Director of a Non-Banking Financial Institution (Public Listed) in Pakistan. From February 2002 till March 2008, he acted as Financial Advisor to a Member of the Ruling Family of United Arab Emirates. In addition, he has also served till date as Director of World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank.

After getting elected unopposed in the 2012 Senate elections, Ishaq Dar was nominated and appointed as the Leader of the Opposition on 14 March 2012. He is Pakistan Muslim League's (PMLN) current Parliamentary leader to the Senate.

In 1998, as Finance Minister he negotiated an IMF rescue package to meet an economic crisis triggered by sanctions over nuclear tests in May that year. His tenure was unfortunately cut short by General Pervez Musharraf, then-Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. His economic policy achievements in the Nawaz Sharif government was export based growth as a cornerstone of economic strategy. Dar was once again called upon to rescue the nose-diving economy of Pakistan in the PPP-led coalition government in 2008 but due to political differences Dar and all other PMLN ministers resigned just after 6 months into the government.

In the 11th May 2013 general elections, the most important portfolio of Finance Ministry was again handed over to Senator Dar with only a few days left before the 2013 Budget. Dar has been working with his finance team since 12th May 2013. Senator Dar officially took oath as a Federal Minister on 7th June 2013.

Senator Dar was decorated with Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the highest civil award for his Parliamentary services.