For the first time in 73 year history of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, a female has been elected as the chairperson of PSX.
Dr Shamshad Akhtar who is a Pakistani development economist, diplomat and intellectual was “unanimously elected” as the Chairperson making her the first female to come under this title.
Akhtar, appointed as an independent director on board last month; before this meeting yesterday.
She is known to be the driving force behind capital market developmental reforms during her terms at the Asian Development Bank in the 1990s. She has also served the positions of Governor & State Bank of Pakistan & also a senior advisor to General Secretary of the United Nations then, Ban Ki-Moon.
Akhtar said that it was a “proud moment” for her to “represent the Pakistan Stock Exchange as its chairperson and join the efforts of the SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan), the new board and management to take this institution to new heights”.
“I look forward to our joint endeavours to further transform PSX as a premier institution; so it can play a critical role in raising its market capitalization through deepening of debt and equity markets; broadening its investor and product base and service efficiently; all its clients upholding high standards of governance,” said Akhtar taking in pride.
CEO Farrukh Khan
The CEO PSX Farrukh Khan said while welcoming; the first woman Dr Shamshad as a chairperson on board “we are particularly excited and proud; to have someone of the calibre of Dr Akhtar as the chairperson of PSX.”
The CEO also welcomed the new and returning directors; saying that we have an outstanding new board. He is confident that the appointed board of directors are going to lead and direct the Exchange; to greater heights of success, prosperity and progress; for all stakeholders and Pakistan’s capital markets.