Awaz Apni KARACHI: The central bank governor is stepping down this week at the end of her three-year term, a State Bank of Pakistan spokesman said on Monday.
"Dr Shamshad Akhtar has informed the government of her decision to step down ... effective Jan. 1, 2009, on completion of her three-year term," said spokesman Syed Wasimuddin.
Shamshad Akhtar took over as central bank governor on Jan. 2, 2006.
Wasimuddin said Akhtar's replacement would be announced when the government had notified the bank of its decision.
According to reports Syed Saleem Raza, the chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council, was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and would become governor.
Analysts said there had been speculation Akhtar would stay on to oversee an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme agreed last month.
The IMF approved a $7.6 billion loan for two years for Pakistan in November to help the country avert a balance of payments crisis.
"Dr Shamshad Akhtar has informed the government of her decision to step down ... effective Jan. 1, 2009, on completion of her three-year term," said spokesman Syed Wasimuddin.
Shamshad Akhtar took over as central bank governor on Jan. 2, 2006.
Wasimuddin said Akhtar's replacement would be announced when the government had notified the bank of its decision.
According to reports Syed Saleem Raza, the chief executive of the Pakistan Business Council, was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and would become governor.
Analysts said there had been speculation Akhtar would stay on to oversee an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme agreed last month.
The IMF approved a $7.6 billion loan for two years for Pakistan in November to help the country avert a balance of payments crisis.
