ISLAMABAD: The federal health ministry has forwarded the names of four senior public health experts to head the Common Management Unit for AIDS, TB and Malaria (CMU), urging the competent authority to appoint the most suitable candidate on merit as Pakistan faces a growing burden of infectious diseases.
Federal health ministry officials confirmed that names of four professionals - Dr Syed Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, Dr Zulfiqar Ali Gorar, Dr Razia Kaniz Fatima and Dr Muhammad Zaeem Zia - have been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office in order of preference.
The officials said Dr Syed Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, a former provincial health secretary in Sindh, is on the top of the list, while the second nominee, Dr Zulfiqar Ali Gorar, is a clinical epidemiologist. Dr Razia Kaniz Fatima, third on the list, is former CMU National Coordinator. The officials did not give details about fourth nominee, Dr Muhammad Zaeem Zia.
Traditionally, three names are forwarded for such appointments, but this time the ministry has proposed four candidates.
The development comes as Pakistan reports a steady rise in HIV infections, remains among high burden countries for tuberculosis and continues to face recurring malaria outbreaks, all of which fall under programmes coordinated by the CMU.
The CMU operates with financial support from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, which has allocated around $65 million for Pakistan for the 2024-26 grant cycle.
Officials said a significant share of HIV funding is channelled through implementing partners, including the United Nations Development Programme and Nai Zindagi Trust, while tuberculosis programmes are largely run through government structures with partner support. Malaria interventions are implemented through provincial programmes and selected partners in high burden districts.
Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal had declined to disclose the names during a press briefing at the National Institute of Health, saying public disclosure could invite attempts to influence the selection process. However, senior officials later confirmed the shortlisted candidates, adding that the ministry has formally requested the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure the appointment is made strictly on merit.
