A Third World Econo-Realist
Dr Ishrat Husain, Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), who retired in early December 2005 after completing two consecutive and eventful 3 year terms, has been a fascinating study from various vantage points in both my professional and personal capacity, viz being a Director on the Board of a publicity listed financial institution, as a weekly columnist writing on economic, commercial and geo-political matters, and as a friend, A comparable financial intellectual in Pakistan of similar absolute integrity is Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, the Federal Minister for Privatization and Investment. As Pakistanis of good standing, they are both also human beings of some substance; what is really endearing is their humility. Such men are destined for greatness for their country and themselves, provided they are given the chance to do so and not slotted into corners of no consequence.
