PM Shehbaz Appoints Retired Lt Gen Zafar Iqbal as Energy Advisor

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has appointed retired Lieutenant General Zafar Iqbal as his special assistant on energy, effective immediately. This decision, announced through a notification from the Prime Minister’s Office, designates Iqbal to oversee the power and petroleum divisions within the Ministry of Energy.

The notification cites Rule 4(6) of the Rules of Business, 1973, empowering the Prime Minister to make such appointments. Iqbal previously led the National Coordination and Management Council (NCMC), a body established in April to manage energy affairs following significant geopolitical tensions in the region, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

This appointment comes at a critical time for Pakistan’s energy sector, which faces challenges such as rising fuel prices and energy shortages. Iqbal’s military background and prior experience in managing energy resources may provide a strategic advantage in addressing these pressing issues, potentially stabilizing the energy market and improving supply chains.

Looking ahead, it is anticipated that Iqbal will convene meetings with key stakeholders in the energy sector to outline immediate strategies and long-term plans. His leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of energy management in Pakistan, especially in light of recent fluctuations in global oil prices.