ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has designated a former supporter and associate of Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party, as his Special Assistant on Investment.
Muhammad Tahir Javed, a Pakistani-American businessman based in Texas, has immediately assumed the responsibility of overseeing investment matters. An official notification from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed this appointment.
Under this appointment, Tahir Javed will receive the same privileges and benefits as a state minister. It’s worth noting that Tahir Javed has previously provided financial support to and actively campaigned for Imran Khan and the PTI, particularly during Imran Khan’s visit to the United States while he was Prime Minister.
This move has expanded PM Anwar Haq Kakar’s cabinet to six members, contributing to a total of 28 members in the caretaker cabinet. Tahir Javed identifies himself as a Pakistani-American entrepreneur, investor, business magnate, and philanthropist on his social media profiles.
Khan’s Vocal Critic
Interestingly, despite his prior support for Imran Khan and the PTI, Tahir Javed has become a vocal critic of Imran Khan in recent months. He has expressed his disillusionment with Imran Khan’s leadership, describing him as a failed Prime Minister who lacks a clear vision and strategy.
Tahir Javed’s association with Imran Khan dates back to Imran Khan’s tenure in power when he publicly praised Imran Khan’s visit to the USA and his efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. He also claimed to have arranged meetings between Imran Khan and U.S. Senators during this visit, although there is some dispute regarding the extent of his involvement.
Despite this, following Imran Khan’s removal from office, Tahir Javed shifted his stance and criticized Imran Khan’s foreign policy decisions, particularly his support for the Taliban, which he believed had strained relations with the U.S.
Tahir Javed’s personal journey is noteworthy, as he moved from Pakistan to the U.S. with only $500 and initially worked in various jobs, including as a repairman. He also had a legal issue in the past related to felony theft, for which he served part of a sentence before transitioning to a successful career in business.
In 2018, Tahir Javed ran in the U.S. Primary Elections to represent Texas District 29 in Congress but was unsuccessful in defeating the incumbent Democrat Gene Green.
Despite his varied background and history, Tahir Javed is now committed to attracting foreign investment to Pakistan in his new role and has expressed support for the interim administration, believing that Pakistan’s current challenges are temporary and can be overcome.
