The federal government has assigned additional charge of the National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Division to senior bureaucrat Nadeem Mahbub, who is currently serving as Secretary of the Federal Education and Professional Training Division. The appointment was announced through a notification issued by the Establishment Division on October 16, 2026.
According to Notification No. PF (740)/E-5 (PAS), Mahbub, a Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer in BS-22, will oversee the federal health division alongside his existing responsibilities in education. The additional assignment will remain effective for three months or until a regular secretary is appointed, whichever occurs earlier.
With this arrangement, Mahbub will oversee two major federal divisions responsible for policy development and public service delivery in education and health. The health division plays a central role in coordinating national health-related matters, while the education division is responsible for federal-level education and professional training initiatives.
Mahbub’s appointment has attracted attention in bureaucratic circles because he has previously held the health portfolio. Reports have also referred to differences between him and Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal, a leader of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), over administrative authority and policy matters. However, the precise implications of Mahbub’s return to the division remain unclear.
The appointment comes amid reported changes in the leadership of the Health Division over the previous four to five months. According to sources cited in the report, approximately four to five officials have held or been replaced from the secretary-level position during this period. These changes have raised questions about administrative continuity and the implementation of ongoing policies and initiatives.
Frequent changes in senior administrative positions can create coordination challenges, particularly in a sector that requires sustained planning and cooperation among government departments and other stakeholders. However, the extent to which the reported changes have affected the division’s operations has not been independently established.
The development also comes against the backdrop of the federal government’s political arrangements with the MQM, which has been associated with federal ministries including education and health. Sources cited in the report suggested that Mahbub’s additional responsibilities could strengthen administrative oversight across both divisions. The Establishment Division notification, however, did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision beyond confirming the terms of the assignment.
The notification was issued by Arslan Javaid, Section Officer (E-5/PAS) of the Establishment Division. Mahbub will continue overseeing the health portfolio for the specified three-month period unless a regular secretary is appointed earlier, after which the administrative arrangements may change.
Nadeem Mahbub Given Additional Charge of Federal Health Ministry for Three Months
