Sartaj Aziz Pakistani economist and political activist Date of Birth: 07.02.1929 Country: Pakistan

1. Early Life and Education
2. Government Service and Economic Reforms
3. International Work and Return to Government
4. Tenure in Nawaz Sharif's Governments
5. Foreign Minister and National Security Advisor

Early Life and Education

Sartaj Aziz was born in Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. In the 1940s, he became an active member of the Pakistan Movement, led by the Muslim League. Aziz earned his bachelor's degree from Punjab University in 1949 after completing his education at the Islamia College Lahore.

Government Service and Economic Reforms

In 1950, Aziz joined the Civil Service. After studying in the United States, he returned to Pakistan and worked in the Planning Commission. From 1964, he served in the Economic Advisory Bureau, collaborating with prominent politicians such as Muhammad Shoaib, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, and Ayub Khan.

During the 1965 war with India, Aziz opposed the "Operation Gibraltar" plan, but his concerns were dismissed. The war had severe economic consequences for Pakistan, which were further exacerbated by the loss of East Pakistan in 1971.

International Work and Return to Government

Aziz criticized Bhutto's nationalization policies and joined the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1971. In 1984, he joined General Zia-ul-Haq's military government as Minister for Food and Agriculture. He was elected to the Senate in 1985 and re-elected in 1993.

Tenure in Nawaz Sharif's Governments

Joining the Pakistan Muslim League (PML), Aziz became Finance Minister in Nawaz Sharif's first government (1990-1993). He actively promoted privatization and played a pivotal role in Pakistan's economic liberalization efforts.

After the PML's victory in the 1997 elections, Aziz was appointed Finance Minister again. He continued the privatization policy and focused on strengthening the domestic economy while indirectly addressing national security concerns. Aziz opposed Pakistan's nuclear program, even in the face of India's nuclear development.

Foreign Minister and National Security Advisor

Aziz briefly served as Foreign Minister in 1998 but lost his government position due to a military coup. In 2013, after Sharif's return to power, Aziz was appointed Advisor on Foreign Affairs and National Security.