27/12/2025
Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Pakistan’s first woman Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and former caretaker federal finance minister, passed away at the age of 71 following a cardi_ac arr_est.
At the time of her death, she was serving as chairperson of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, marking a rare career spanning monetary policy, fiscal management and capital markets.
Widely respected for her integrity and expertise, Dr Akhtar also served twice as caretaker finance minister and was awarded the Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 2024.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed deep grief, calling her passing a national loss.