Azad Kashmir has made history by appointing its first ever Chief Economist. This marks a significant milestone in the region’s economic governance and public service leadership. The newly appointed Chief Economist Mahnaz Faheem also becomes the first woman to hold this senior position in Azad Kashmir’s Planning and Development Department.
About the Appointment
Mahnaz Faheem was promoted from BS19 to BS20 by the Selection Board I chaired by the Chief Secretary of Azad Kashmir. This appointment reflects Azad Kashmir’s commitment to evidence based economic planning. It also highlights gender inclusion and strengthening institutional capacity in public sector governance.
Profile of Mahnaz Faheem
She joined Azad Kashmir Civil Service in 1997 as a Planning Officer. She holds an MBA from Quaid i Azam University Islamabad. She completed a Master’s in Gender and Development from the University of Sussex UK as one of the first Chevening Scholars from Azad Kashmir. She achieved a gold medal in BSc with double mathematics and physics from the University of Azad Kashmir. She has extensive experience working on UNDP funded development projects and policy research.
Vision and Goals
In her statement Mahnaz Faheem emphasized the importance of women’s representation in senior policymaking. She expressed her commitment to evidence based equitable and gender sensitive economic planning. She pledged to strengthen Azad Kashmir’s institutional and economic frameworks to drive sustainable growth. Her appointment is regarded as a positive step for economic governance, gender inclusivity and the professionalization of planning in Azad Kashmir.
Significance
This historic move signals a progressive shift in Azad Kashmir’s economic and administrative approach. It highlights institutional strengthening in the Planning and Development Department. It encourages women to take leadership roles in public service. It focuses on data driven policies and sustainable development initiatives.
