Federal Government Completes Interviews for SECP Commission

Federal Government

The federal government has finished interviewing 27 candidates for three vacant positions of Commissioners at the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

High-Level Panel Conducts Interviews

A high-level committee, led by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, carried out the interviews. The panel will now shortlist nine candidates—three for each post. The federal cabinet will then choose the final appointees.

Complete List of Interviewed Candidates

The following candidates appeared before the committee:

Shaista Gillani, Syed Irfan Ali, Jahan Ara Sajjad, Imtiaz Haider, Imran Iqbal, Sahulat Khan, M. Naveed Chaudhry, Khalid Habib, Majid Naeem Sofi, M. Ali Fareed Khwajah, Jalal Khan, Amjad Ali Awan, Fareed Ahmad Tarar, Abid Hussain, Ammar Qurashi, Bilal Rasool, Akif Saeed, Sadia Khan, Tariq Sultan, Imran Inayat Butt, Javid Ghafoor, Abdur Rahman Warraich, Mujtaba Lodhi, Muhammad Naveed, Dr. Kabeer Ahmad Sidhu, Adil Khan, and Salman Amin.

Interviews Held Amid Rising Criticism

The interview process took place as the SECP faced ongoing criticism. Observers have raised concerns over governance lapses, spending approvals, salary structures, and weak regulatory performance.

Pressure on Government to Restore Market Confidence

As market confidence continues to weaken, the government faces mounting pressure to choose commissioners who can strengthen oversight. Moreover, the regulator needs leadership capable of improving enforcement and addressing long-standing credibility issues.

Next Steps in the Selection Process

The selection committee is expected to finalize its list of nine nominees in the coming days. After that, the federal cabinet will appoint three commissioners who will guide the SECP’s institutional direction in the years ahead.