From chemistry to economics: Dr Ishrat Husain reflects on his journey

Prominent Pakistani banker and economist Dr. Ishrat Husain attributes his success to the strong foundation laid during his early education at Hyderabad’s government schools, where dedicated teachers inspired students to aim higher.

"Our teachers didn’t stop at just delivering lectures—they motivated us, coached us, and instilled a sense of purpose," he recalled during a podcast with Kamran Khan.

Initially pursuing an MSc in chemistry, Dr. Husain’s career trajectory took a turn when he realized his true calling lay in leadership and public service. "I was doing well academically in chemistry, but spending hours in the lab didn’t spark joy. I wanted to work with people, solve problems, and lead," he explained.

Returning to Pakistan after completing his master’s degree, Dr. Husain joined the civil service in 1964. His commitment and intellect quickly earned him a reputation as a rising star in governance. His academic aspirations, however, were far from over. A scholarship to study development economics at Williams College, Massachusetts, opened new doors.

At Williams, he found himself among seasoned professionals, including a gold medalist from Delhi University. Despite the competition, Dr. Husain excelled, topping his class in a field he had not originally trained in. "That experience was transformative. It taught me resilience, the importance of hard work, and the value of competing on merit," he said.

His illustrious career spanned multiple domains, from academia to international development. Dr. Husain served in senior positions at the World Bank, where he focused on South Asia’s development challenges. Returning to Pakistan, he took on roles such as Governor of the State Bank, where his reforms stabilized the banking sector and enhanced financial inclusion.

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Husain said, "I owe everything to the education I received and the mentors who believed in me. They equipped me not only with knowledge but also with the confidence to adapt and lead in diverse environments."