Passing of a Senior Statesman
Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, a former federal minister and uncle of Pakistan’s national cricket team captain Shan Masood, has passed away. His brother, Mansoor Khan, confirmed the news and announced that his funeral will take place in Islamabad after the Maghrib prayers on Friday.
Dr. Masood, who served for several decades in key government roles, was regarded as one of Pakistan’s most experienced financial administrators. His passing marks the end of a career that deeply influenced the country’s economic policy.
A Long Career in Public Service
Throughout his career, Dr. Waqar Masood held several high-profile positions in Pakistan’s civil service. Most notably, he served multiple terms as Federal Secretary of Finance, one of the most influential positions in the government bureaucracy. In this role, he worked with various administrations to manage the national budget, negotiate with international lenders, and implement fiscal reforms.
As a senior technocrat, he was often at the center of Pakistan’s economic decision-making. He contributed to shaping tax reforms, public expenditure frameworks, and foreign debt management strategies. Colleagues remember him as a professional known for his integrity and sharp economic insight.
A Trusted Adviser on Economic Policy
In addition to his bureaucratic service, Dr. Masood briefly served as a Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue during Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government. His appointment came at a time when Pakistan was facing a severe balance-of-payments crisis.
During his tenure, he worked on negotiating loan packages with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other global financial institutions. Although his term was short, he played a role in designing stabilization measures aimed at curbing inflation and improving government revenue collection.
Academic and Intellectual Contributions
Beyond his government service, Dr. Waqar Masood also contributed to academia and policy research. He wrote extensively on issues of taxation, public finance, and economic governance. His insights were often sought by think tanks, universities, and international development organizations.
His work highlighted the structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s tax system and the challenges of achieving sustainable growth in a country with a narrow revenue base.
A Family Connection to Cricket
While Dr. Waqar Masood was best known for his public service, his family is also recognized in Pakistan’s sporting world. He was the uncle of Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test cricket captain. Shan has represented Pakistan in all three formats of the game and was appointed Test captain in 2023.
The news of Dr. Masood’s passing has been met with condolences not only from government officials and economists but also from the cricketing community. Recently, Sri Lankan cricketer Dunith Wellalage also suffered the sudden loss of his father during the Asia Cup, highlighting how personal tragedies often touch sporting families across the region.
National Reaction and Legacy
Tributes poured in from across Pakistan’s political and financial circles following the announcement of his death. Former colleagues described him as a “pillar of Pakistan’s economic governance” and a “mentor for younger civil servants.”
Pakistan’s finance ministry released a brief statement expressing sorrow over his passing and acknowledging his contributions to economic policy. Political leaders across party lines also paid their respects, reflecting the broad recognition of his service to the state.
Dr. Waqar Masood leaves behind a legacy of professionalism and a body of work that influenced Pakistan’s fiscal and economic direction for more than three decades. His death marks the loss of an experienced voice in times when Pakistan continues to grapple with economic challenges such as high inflation, mounting debt, and sluggish growth.
