Reza Baqir is a Pakistani economist who served as the 20th Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, from 4 May 2019 to 4 May 2022.^[1]

Reza Baqir was born to a Punjabi Arain family in Vehari. His father Chaudhary Sharif Baqir Arain was a very well known Barrister of Law and joined the PPP in 1988 and ran for the seat of National Assembly.^[2] Baqir received his early education from Aitchison College, Lahore.^[3]

He graduated from Harvard University magna cum laudeAB economics), and later obtained a PhD in economics at the University of California, Berkeley.^[4][5]

Before his political career, Dr. Baqir held numerous positions in the International Monetary Fund (IMF). These included being the Mission Chief for Romania and Bulgaria. He was also the IMF's Senior Resident Representative.

In 2019, President Arif Alvi appointed Baqir governor of the State Bank of Pakistan for a period of three years.^[6] The appointment took place a day after his predecessor Tariq Bajwa was unexpectedly removed from his post.^[7]

He currently is Managing Director and Practice Leader of Sovereign Advisory Services at Alvarez & Marsal in Dubai.^[8]

• International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ex-Officio Alternate Member of the Board of Governors (since 2019)^[9]