The federal government has appointed a board member of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust (SKMT) as Chairman Board of Investment (BoI). Federal Cabinet through a circular appointed Atif Bokhari as Chairman BoI. Atif Bokhari is part of 12-member honorary board of governors of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Trust. Prime Minister Imran Khan is the chairman of the honorary board.
The approval of Atif Bokhari as Chairman BOI was not included in the regular agenda items of the Federal Cabinet. However, the federal cabinet through circulation of summary approved his name as the new Chairman BoI on March 20, sources said.
The Board of Governors of SKMT comprises of eminent individuals from diverse backgrounds, including bankers, researchers, businessmen and physicians. Atif Bokhari is running a consultancy firm in portfolio investment, sources said.
Atif Bokhari is the fourth chairman of BoI whose appointment was made during the nineteen month tenure of Pakistan Tahreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Government. He joined as chairman through video conferences from Karachi on Monday. He also attended Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) special committee held (yesterday) Monday.
Two chairmen appointed by the present government reportedly resigned after developing differences with Abdul Razak Dawood, Adviser on Commerce, Textile, Industry & Production and Investment. Zubair Gilani and Haroon Sharif appointed by the ruling party later resigned. Naeem Zamindar was appointed by previous government of Pakistan Muslim League-N and resigned soon after PTI government came into power.
Unlike chairmen served in Pakistan Muslim League-N, the three appointed by present government claimed all parks and privileges that are the entitlement of a Minister of State (MoS). Atif Bokhari has already claimed accommodation and other perks and privileges that are entitled by MoS. Earlier, Zubair Gilani applied for accommodation in Minister Enclave but could not be accomodated because of on-going renovation. Haroon Sharif also requested but could not get any accommodation in the enclave as it was not available at that time, sources said.
On March 9, 2020, Zubair Gilani stepped down as chairman BOI after the government asked him to resign. In a tweet on March 10, however, he denied he was asked to resign and stated, "For the record, I have resigned as Chairman BOI of my own accord & will always remain a dedicated soldier of Imran Khan PTI. I hold Razzaq Dawood in the highest esteem."
The new chairman will focus on finalization of new investment promotion 2020-24 and FDI strategy 2013-17 in consultation with World Bank. The BoI is also working on amendments in SEZs Act 2012 as incentives given to foreign and local investors under the Act will expire by June 30, 2020.