KARACHI, Dec 1: President Pervez Musharraf on Thursday said that Dr Ishrat Husain was not only one of the best central bank governors the country ever had, but also an outstanding economic policymaker, thinker and reformer who played a critical role in the revival and transformation of the Pakistan economy.

He stated this in a message at the launching ceremony of a book on Dr Husain entitled “Defining a Prosperous Financial Future”.

“One of the most successful sectors of reforms widely acknowledged nationally and internationally is the financial sector,” said President Musharraf, adding that Dr Husain not only conceptualized and designed the reform programmes, but also convinced his cabinet colleagues.

The president said that Dr Husain steered and championed it through difficult times and successfully implemented the programmes within a short span of six years. “No wonder he (Dr Husain) commands such high degree of respect and admiration within and outside the country,” he said.

“He has taken pains to transform the State Bank into a highly professional and efficient institution, exercising a high degree of independence and autonomy in conducting its affairs. Reports and analysis published by the SBP are accepted widely by all strata of society for their credibility and objectivity,” the president pointed out.

“As an individual he (Dr Husain) enjoys the reputation of a man of highest integrity who has been instrumental in promoting a culture of merit in the banking sector and the SBP. His sense of commitment, dedication and patriotism are indeed exemplary, and he has already become the role model for young professionals of Pakistan.

“On a personal note, I have always found his advice and counsel to be of high quality, impartial and always inspired by the motives of best national interests. I am thankful to him for his outstanding and meritorious services and for his assistance to me during these tough times of our history,” concluded President Musharraf.