A technocrat is a person appointed to a position of authority or responsibility based on their specialized knowledge, professional qualifications, and expertise in a particular field — such as economics, engineering, or administration — rather than through political means. The term comes from “techne” (skill) and “kratos” (power), literally meaning “rule by experts.”
Technocrats in Pakistan — Context and Role
In Pakistan’s political and administrative setup, technocrats often serve in key positions during caretaker governments, advisory councils, or cabinet roles when non-partisan expertise is required.
They are typically appointed:
- By the Prime Minister, President, or Caretaker Chief Executive, depending on the government structure.
- Through constitutional provisions, such as reserved seats for technocrats in the Senate and Provincial Assemblies (as per Article 59 of the Constitution of Pakistan).
- To ministries where technical decisions are critical — e.g., finance, energy, or planning.
Technocrats are usually expected to provide neutral, data-driven, and policy-oriented guidance, especially during transitions or crises when political consensus is difficult.
Their inclusion helps maintain continuity of governance, but it also sparks debates about accountability, since technocrats are not elected by the public.
Examples of Prominent Technocrats in Pakistan
Notable Pakistani figures often labeled as technocrats include:
- Dr. Hafeez Shaikh – Former Finance Minister, known for his economic expertise.
- Shaukat Tarin – Economist and banker, served as Finance Minister under multiple governments.
- Dr. Ishrat Husain – Former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan and adviser to the Prime Minister on institutional reforms.
- Dr. Sania Nishtar – Public health expert and former SAPM on Poverty Alleviation.
- Moeed Yusuf – Former National Security Adviser with an academic background in security studies.