Fawad Hasan Fawad , born on 14 January 1960, currently holds the position of caretaker Federal Minister for Privatisation and Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination, marking a multifaceted career as a Pakistani public policy practitioner, former civil servant, diplomat, and poet.
In his previous role as a Pakistani civil servant, Fawad Hasan Fawad achieved the distinguished BPS-22 grade, serving as the Principal Secretary to two Prime Ministers, Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.
During his tenure as the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Pakistan from November 2015 to June 2018, Fawad Hasan Fawad directed his efforts towards the successful realization of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor. His focus extended to overseeing multiple infrastructure and energy projects while strategically guiding sector-wide investment initiatives across the nation.
In recognition of his contributions, Fawad was promoted to the rank of Federal Secretary in December 2017.
Family Connections in Pakistan's Political Landscape
Fawad Hasan Fawad’s familial ties extend to influential positions within Pakistan’s political history. His brother-in-law, Khurshid Hasan Khurshid, served as the Private Secretary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, marking a close connection to the country’s founding figure.
Meanwhile, Fawad’s brother, Raoof Hassan, is a recognized political and security strategist. In May 2023, he assumed the role of Central Information Secretary for Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This appointment positions him at the forefront of information management within one of Pakistan’s leading political parties, highlighting the family’s ongoing influence in contemporary political affairs.
The family’s history of pivotal roles in both historical and modern political contexts emphasizes their enduring contributions to the governance and strategic information management of Pakistan.
Professional Journey
A member of the Pakistan Administrative Service, formerly known as the District Management Group, Fawad Hasan Fawad assumed the role of Director General of the Civil Services Academy from 1 June 2018 to 5 July 2018. Prior to his appointment at the Civil Services Academy, he held the position of Principal Secretary to two Prime Ministers, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Nawaz Sharif. Fawad’s diverse professional background includes serving as Punjab’s Provincial Secretary for Health, Communication & Works, and managing various other portfolios.
Diverse Public Service Roles and Collegiate Ties
Fawad Hasan Fawad’s extensive public service career has seen him contribute significantly to the Governments of Pakistan, Punjab, and Balochistan. His commitment to public administration is evident in his diverse roles spanning different regions of the country.
Furthermore, Fawad shares a distinguished camaraderie with fellow civil servants, having been part of the same batch as Zafarullah Khan (PAS), Shoaib Mir (PAS), Sikandar Sultan Raja (PAS), Tahir Hussain (PAS), Rizwan Ahmed (PAS), Suleman Khan (PSP), Jawad Rafique Malik (PAS), and Allah Dino Khawaja (PSP). This shared professional journey underscores the collaborative spirit and collective experiences among these public servants dedicated to the betterment of Pakistan.
Diverse Administrative Roles and Milestones
Fawad Hasan Fawad’s career has been marked by a series of pivotal administrative roles. From July 2012 to April 2013, he served as the Secretary to Chief Minister Punjab (Implementation) and later as the Secretary to Punjab. Following this, from April 2013 to 4 June 2013, Fawad took on the responsibility of Joint Secretary in the Economic Affairs Division.
An impressive feat in Pakistan’s history is Fawad’s tenure from July 1994 to March 1997 when he served as Deputy Commissioner in both Quetta and Lahore, becoming the youngest individual to hold this position. His contributions also extended to serving as the Principal Staff Officer to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and as Deputy Secretary to the Chief Secretary of Balochistan.
Fawad’s early career experiences include serving as an Assistant Commissioner in Quetta and Hub from August 1989 to January 1993, showcasing a trajectory of consistent dedication and growth in various administrative capacities.
Ventures in the Private Sector
Fawad Hasan Fawad extended his expertise to the private sector, notably serving as the Senior Group Advisor to the JS Group. In addition, he assumed the role of Executive-in-Charge of the Infrastructure Development Division at Bank Alfalah Limited from August 2005 to November 2006. This foray into the financial sector showcased his versatility and contribution to shaping strategic initiatives beyond the realm of public administration.
Corruption Allegations and Subsequent Acquittal
Fawad Hasan Fawad faced severe legal challenges when he was accused of corruption and misuse of authority in connection to the Ashiana Housing scam by Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The allegations led to his arrest on 6 July 2018 as part of the criminal investigation into the Ashiana Housing scam, and he was subsequently sent on a fourteen-day physical remand by an accountability court in Lahore.
However, on 21 January 2020, Fawad experienced a legal reprieve when he was granted bail in the Assets case by the Lahore High Court. The two-judge bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Tariq Abbasi and Justice Chaudhry Mushtaq, based their decision on the grounds that the National Accountability Bureau had not uncovered any illegitimate assets belonging to him, no charges had been framed against him, and there was no nexus between him and any questionable asset. It was noted, however, that Fawad had been arrested during the inquiry stage.
The legal saga concluded on 2 February 2023, when Fawad Hasan Fawad was acquitted of all charges in both the assets beyond means and Ashiana Housing cases. The acquittal was based on the merit of irrefutable documentary evidence presented by the prosecution’s witnesses, ultimately vindicating him from the allegations that had marred his reputation for an extended period.
Kunj-e-Qafas: A Poetic Chronicle of Fawad Hasan Fawad's Journey
In February 2023, Fawad Hasan Fawad unveiled “Kunj-e-Qafas” (کنج قفس), a poignant collection of poetry that delves into the depths of his life’s journey. This profound literary work encapsulates his evolution, tracing the trajectory from a passionate youth, known for eloquent public speaking, to a conscientious public servant who faced the constraints of imprisonment due to his unwavering commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
The verses within “Kunj-e-Qafas” symbolize the broader transformation of Pakistan over the past five decades. They encapsulate a journey that commenced with a romantic self-belief and evolved into a yearning for freedom of speech and thought in the contemporary landscape of Pakistan.
Fawad’s poetic expressions in “Kunj-e-Qafas” showcase a mastery of the Urdu language, drawing inspiration from the literary legacies of renowned poets such as Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Faraz, and Habib Jalib. Through his poetic lens, Fawad Hasan Fawad invites readers to contemplate the profound changes that have shaped both his personal narrative and the broader societal tapestry of Pakistan.