It is being speculated that Mr. Shaukat Tareen may serve as the advisor to PM on finance due to the resignation of PML-N ministers from the cabinet. With the budget sword hanging over head, the economy in dire straits and Ishaq Dar keeping it all unchecked, this may be a refreshing news for the business community. However, it’s not confirmed by any means and the investors are keeping their fingers crossed. Mr. Tareen is to meet Mr. Zardari in Islamabad today to discuss the matter further. But the interesting facts about Shaukat Tareen include his striking professional resemblance to Shaukat Aziz other than his name. Some of these are:

• Both belong to the banking fraternity.
• Both were Citibankers.
• Both attended the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).
• Both have the same first names!

It is interesting to note that a lot of politicians have been repeatedly criticizing Shaukat Aziz absurdly for being a man of Citibank (and hence, the West!). He is being criticized for not understanding the problems of common man and favoring the business community. And many more allegations to go with these…

But who is Shaukat Tareen? And what is his professional background? His previous employment history is impressive. He served at important positions at various banks and organizations of repute.

• Chairman, Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE)
• President, Union Bank
• Chairman, Union Bank
• Chief, Union Bank
• Chairman, Pakistan Banks Association
• Head of Habib Bank Ltd.
• Citibank head in Pakistan

He was supposed to join Saudi Pak Bank as its Chief Executive from 15th March 2008, can’t confirm if he did that.

The credentials are undoubtedly strong and those who believed in the old Shaukat will certainly have faith in the new one. While those who had a tough time digesting the old one will undoubtedly maintain a similar tone for the new one (if he is handed the job).