Shahid Ashraf Tarar

Captain (R) Shahid Ashraf Tarar is a BPS-22 Pakistani civil servant who has served as Caretaker Federal Minister for Communications, Maritime and Railways from 17 August 2023 to 4 March 2024. His career spans various senior roles including Chairman National Highway Authority and Federal Public Service Commission. Notably, he was appointed the executive director of the World Bank Group on behalf of seven countries including Pakistan. Prior to his civil service, Tarar served in the Pakistan Army, retiring with the rank of Captain. Currently, He is serving as Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Special Initiatives. He is also holding the charge of Chairman Ravi Urban Development Authority and Chairman Air Punjab (Pvt.) Ltd. For one year, he also held the charge of Chairman Punjab Central Business District Development Authority.

Career Tarar belongs to Pakistan Administrative Service. He started his career as an Assistant Commissioner in Balochistan. He is a retired Federal Secretary who joined the 13th Common in the Civil Service after retiring from the Pakistan Army as a captain. He also served as Secretary Excise & Taxation Punjab, Director General National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC)

Tarar also served as the Chairman National Highway Authority (NHA) in the Nawaz Sharif-led government. He oversaw speedy and timely completion of multi-billion projects as the head of NHA at that time.

He has also been the Federal Secretary of the Ministry of Communications from November 2014 to December 2016.

In November 2018, Tarar was appointed an Executive Director World Bank Group by the seven countries comprising Pakistan. He was also appointed the Chairman Human Resources Committee of the World Bank Board.

Before joining as a caretaker minister, Tarar was appointed chairman Federal Public Service Commission by the Shahbaz Sharif-led government in July 2023. He was sworn in by President Dr. Arif Alvi.

Tarar was sworn in as the Caretaker Federal Minister in the Kakar Cabinet on 17 August 2023 and was allotted three portfolios: Communications, Maritime Affairs, Railways.