Syed Iftikhar Shabbir
Former Auditor-General of Pakistan
19-05-1990 to 24-11-1990
Professional Experience and Achievements:
Syed Iftikhar Shabbir, born on March 13, 1931, embarked on his professional journey with the soaring spirit of a pilot, serving in the Pakistan Air Force from April 8, 1953, to November 10, 1957. With the sky as his domain and discipline as his guide, he honed a deep sense of duty and precision. Yet, fate had charted another course for him—one that would lead him from the roar of engines to the quiet, methodical world of public accountability. On November 11, 1957, he transitioned to the Pakistan Audit & Accounts Service, bringing with him the same focus, integrity, and structured approach that had defined his time in the Air Force.
His career in auditing and public financial management was built upon steady progress and a series of strategic postings. In the early phase of his career, he served as Assistant Accountant General at the AG office Lahore, where he played a vital role in audit administration. From 1962 to 1963, he was Deputy Chief Auditor of Pakistan Western Railway, Lahore, ensuring financial accountability in one of the country’s most significant institutions.
His administrative skills led him to the Agriculture Department, where he served as Budgets & Accounts Officer (Forest Wing) from 1963 to 1966, handling the financial aspects of one of Pakistan’s crucial sectors. His commitment to international auditing standards became evident when he was selected as Deputy Director of Foreign Audit & UN Audit, Lahore, from 1966 to 1967. His international exposure further expanded when he became a member of the Pakistan team for the United Nations Board of Auditors from 1966 to 1970, contributing to international audit oversight.
Between 1967 and 1970, he took on significant leadership roles, including Joint Director and later Chief Auditor of Pakistan Western Railway. In 1970, he was appointed as Comptroller of North West Frontier Province (now renamed as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), overseeing financial management at the provincial level. His tenure as Chief Auditor of Pakistan Western Railway in 1972 and then his appointment as Director of Railway Audit Lahore from 1972 to 1979 reinforced his command over railway financial audit.
His career progressed further when he took on the role of Financial Advisor & Chief Accounts Officer of Pakistan Railways from 1979 to 1981, where he played a critical role in managing the financial structure of the national railway system. In 1983, his vast experience and leadership capabilities led to his appointment as Deputy Auditor-General (Coordination), one of the senior most positions in the Department of the Auditor-General of Pakistan. His leadership in this capacity reaffirmed his ability to oversee the country’s Supreme Audit Institution. In this capacity, he assisted the then Auditor-General of Pakistan in taking revolutionary steps for uplifting the profile of the Department.
Mr. Shabbir was appointed as the Auditor-General of Pakistan on May 19, 1990. With 33 years of professional experience, he brought a wealth of expertise to the role. His elevation to the highest office in the department was met with widespread appreciation, with many seeing it as an opportunity for positive and progressive change within the auditing framework of Pakistan.
In October 1990, Mr. Shabbir embarked on a journey to the United Kingdom to participate in two prestigious gatherings—the Commonwealth Auditors-General Conference and the Annual Conference of International Consortium of Governmental Financial Management (ICGFM), held from October 10 to 19. While he was on ex-Pakistan leave for a coronary bypass surgery in St. Thomas Hospital, London, he breathed his last on 24th November, 1990 due to post-operative complications in the hospital.
The officers and staff of the Office of the Auditor-General of Pakistan were deeply shaken by the sudden passing away of Mr. Shabbir. His warmth, generosity, and kindness touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing him. This is evident from a letter of condolence received from the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, who mourned the loss of a friend whom he had come to know during the Commonwealth Conference.
Blessed with both intellect and a compassionate heart, he embodied the highest ideals of leadership and service. He left us too soon, his mission unfinished, his dreams for the Department left suspended in time. Had destiny been kinder, had he been given the years he was meant to lead, the Department would have flourished under his guidance, reaching heights of professionalism and excellence that now remain a poignant "what could have been."
He left behind two sons and a daughter, but his true legacy is immortalised in the evolution of Pakistan’s audit and accountability framework. Mr. Shabbir’s influence extended far beyond administrative roles. His most enduring legacy was his outstanding role in establishing performance auditing in Pakistan. His dedication to this cause was so profound that a workshop was later dedicated to his memory, honouring his outstanding contribution in institutionalising this modern audit approach. He was widely recognised for his professional vision and competence, both within Pakistan as well as internationally.