Miftah Ismail

Early life and education He was born on 23 July 1965 in Karachi, Sindh to a Memon family. Ismail received his undergraduate degree in business from Duquesne University in 1985, followed by a Ph.D. in public finance and political economy from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania in 1990.

Professional career Ismail began his career as an economist with the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., in the early 1990s. In 1993, he returned to Pakistan to manage his family's business, Ismail Industries Limited, a confectionery and snack food manufacturer, and was CEO and executive director from 1993 to 2015.

Between 2012 and 2022, he held leadership roles in public-sector firms: Vice Chairman, Punjab Board of Investment & Trade (2012–2013) Director, Pakistan International Airlines (2013–2014)

In January 2014, he was appointed the head of Federal Board of Investment and was added as a junior member of then Prime Minister Sharif's cabinet. Under his leadership the Board of Investment underwent massive restructuring including winding up of its regional offices. During his tenure, he oversaw significant restructuring and played a key role in formulating new auto sector investment policy.

In December 2017, Miftah was appointed a finance adviser to then-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. In April 2018, Ismail took oath as Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs in Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's cabinet, where he served until 31 May 2018.

In April 2022, Ismail was reappointed finance minister but resigned in September of the same year, paving the way for the return of Ishaq Dar.

In June 2023, he was removed by PML-N as the general secretary of the party, allegedly due to his criticism of Dar's economic policies and dislike by then Chief Organizer of the PML-N, Maryam Nawaz. Later, in the same month, he resigned from all positions and committees of the PML-N.

Awaam Pakistan (2024–present) In June 2024, Ismail along with former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced the formation of a new political party named Awaam Pakistan (“People of Pakistan”), introducing it with the slogan “Badlenge Nizam” (“We will change the system”). Dr. Ismail was appointed the Deputy Convener alongside Abbasi, who served as Convenor of the Organizing Committee.

In media interviews, Ismail stated that the party’s mission was rooted in populist economic reform: advocating “equal economic opportunities,” reducing government size, and empowering the middle class. World Bank, Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (since 2017).

Writings Ismail is a regular economic commentator, writing in both English and Urdu.