Haroon Akhtar appointed PM’s adviser on industries

Haroon Akhtar appointed PM’s adviser on industries

The federal government has formally appointed Haroon Akhtar Khan as the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Industries and Production, granting him the status of a federal minister.

President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment, while the Cabinet Division issued the official notification confirming Haroon Akhtar’s new role. He will take charge of his responsibilities immediately and oversee the Industries and Production portfolio as part of his advisory duties.

Haroon Akhtar brings extensive political, business and economic experience to the position. He has served as a senator twice and has also been elected as a member of the Punjab Assembly on two occasions. His long association with the business community and industrial sector has given him substantial experience in economic policy, investment, taxation, industry and public-sector affairs.

From 2015 to 2018, Haroon Akhtar served as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Revenue with the status of a federal minister. During his tenure, he remained involved in matters relating to taxation, revenue collection and economic policy.

Earlier, he served as a senator from 2006 to 2012 and played an active role in several parliamentary standing committees. His committee work covered key sectors, including finance, economic affairs, revenue, statistics, planning and development, commerce, industries and production, petroleum, natural resources and minerals, as well as sports, culture and tourism.

Haroon Akhtar also has a strong professional background in actuarial science and business administration. He earned Master of Science degrees in Actuarial Science and Business Administration from the University of Manitoba in Canada. He is a fellow of the Society of Actuaries in the United States and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries. He also achieved recognition in the actuarial profession at a young age, becoming one of the youngest qualified actuaries at the time.

His professional career has remained closely connected with Pakistan’s business and industrial community for more than three decades. Over the years, he has developed strong links with investors, industrialists, business leaders and government institutions, giving him a broad understanding of the challenges facing the private sector and the regulatory environment.

Haroon Akhtar has also worked to strengthen coordination between businesses and government institutions. His experience includes bringing investors, industrialists and regulators together to improve communication, facilitate investment and address issues affecting businesses and industry.

His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan continues to focus on strengthening industrial growth, attracting investment, improving the business environment and expanding economic activity. With his background in business, taxation, economic affairs and parliamentary work, Haroon Akhtar is expected to play a key role in shaping policies related to the country’s industrial and production sectors.