PMD Left Headless as DG’s Term Ends in Controversy

M. Waqar Bhatti

Islamabad: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has once again been left without a Director General (DG) following the completion of the one-year reemployment tenure of Mahr Sahibzad Khan on March 31, 2025. His controversial reappointment last year, in violation of rules, had already sparked discontent among senior meteorologists and department officials.

Despite the expiration of his tenure, Mahr Sahibzad Khan has yet to relinquish charge, reportedly making efforts to secure another extension, a move that has intensified unrest among employees and meteorological experts.

Officials within the PMD lament that while Pakistan has over two dozen highly qualified meteorologists, including foreign-trained PhD holders, a non-technical individual was reappointed, depriving deserving professionals of the opportunity to lead.

Due to his reemployment, several experienced and competent meteorologists, including Dr. Sardar Sarfraz, retired over the past year, further exacerbating the leadership vacuum within the department.
“Meteorology is a critical science, especially for a country highly vulnerable to climate change. Appointing a competent expert is essential to ensure accurate weather forecasting, issue timely climate warnings, and assist sectors like agriculture, aviation, and health in planning for extreme weather events,” a PMD official said.

Meanwhile, some PMD officials have legally challenged Mahr Sahibzad Khan’s reemployment in the Sindh High Court. Given that the matter is sub judice, experts argue that any further extension would be in direct violation of existing service rules and regulations.

When approached for comment, a spokesperson for the Met Office stated that the Ministry of Defence—which now oversees PMD following the merger of the Aviation Division—is responsible for the appointment of the next DG.

“A decision in this regard is expected from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, based on the ministry’s recommendations and in line with official regulations,” the spokesperson added.

With the leadership crisis deepening and concerns rising among meteorological scientists, experts stress that PMD requires a competent, qualified leader who can modernize weather forecasting and strengthen Pakistan’s climate resilience.PMDC Body Unearthes Millions of Irregularities in PMC