Dr. Muhammad Ali Talpur is the Joint Chief Economist (Operations) at the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan. With over two decades of experience in economic policy, development planning, and public sector reforms, he plays a key role in appraising development projects and advising national economic decision-making forums such as the CDWP and ECNEC.

Prior to his current role, Dr. Talpur served as Economic Consultant at the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, where he led the development of the National Food Security Dashboard and contributed to the formulation of the Food Security Policy.

He was also instrumental in executing the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Emergency Program and managing agricultural data systems for policy formulation. His earlier roles include Director of Marketing & Economic Research at the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee and Principal Research Fellow at the National Development Complex.

Dr. Talpur holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Sindh, specialising in international trade under WTO frameworks, and a Master’s degree in Economics. He has completed the National Management Course from the National School of Public Policy and has participated in various international conferences and training programmes across Switzerland, Argentina, India, and Indonesia. An accomplished researcher and policy expert, he has authored several publications and policy papers on economics, food security, and cotton trade. His work continues to shape strategic economic initiatives aimed at Pakistan’s sustainable development.