Retired Official Reappointed As Pmd Director General

M. Waqar Bhatti

Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has once again appointed retired officer Mehr Sahibzad Khan as the Director General of the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), despite his retirement over a year ago in March 2024.

This marks his second consecutive reappointment to the top post, drawing sharp criticism from within the department and the wider meteorological community.

The reemployment of Mehr Sahibzad Khan has been made on special directives from the highest level, bypassing a pool of qualified serving officers and several retired DGs with advanced academic credentials and international standing.

According to documents, Mehr Sahibzad Khan does not hold a Ph.D. in meteorological sciences, a qualification many believe is essential for leading a department that plays a vital role in climate prediction, disaster management, and regional cooperation under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

While supporters of the decision point to his administrative experience and recent election as Vice President of the WMO’s Asia Region as justification for his continuation, many officials argue that the appointment undermines meritocracy within a department already struggling with staff morale and technical capacity.

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Senior PMD officials told this scribe that the decision has caused “immense disappointment” among capable and experienced officers within the organization. “There are several deserving officers currently serving who possess higher academic qualifications, including Ph.D. degrees, and have been acknowledged by international meteorological bodies,” one senior officer said, requesting anonymity.

The controversy has intensified amid claims that the appointment was politically influenced, with some insiders alleging that Mr. Khan’s reemployment is due to his close ties to influential political figures rather than professional merit. This perception has deepened frustration among PMD staff, who say institutional growth is being compromised for short-term political expediency.

Following the issuance of notification regarding reemployment, several employees are now considering legal action to challenge the decision. “We are consulting with legal experts to approach the courts, not only against this specific appointment but also to expose broader irregularities in postings and promotions,” said a representative of the aggrieved group.

Calls are growing for the Prime Minister to review the appointment in the interest of institutional integrity and to allow a transparent selection process for the leadership of one of Pakistan’s most crucial technical departments.

“This is not just about one individual,” said a senior meteorologist. “It’s about setting a precedent for fairness, competence, and restoring confidence in the system.”