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 four names have been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office in order of preference, with Dr Syed Mansoor Abbas Rizvi ranked first, followed by Dr Zulfiqar Ali Gorar, Dr Razia Kaniz Fatima and Dr Muhammad Zaeem Zia.
Among the candidates, Dr Syed Mansoor Abbas Rizvi, a former provincial health secretary in Sindh, has been placed at the top of the list. However, officials indicated he may be reluctant to take up the role, citing concerns over remuneration.
Public health experts said the second ranked candidate, Dr Zulfiqar Ali Gorar, brings extensive experience in infectious disease control, epidemiology and programme management, closely aligned with the requirements of the CMU.
A physician and clinical epidemiologist with over two decades of experience, Dr Gorar has worked with the Ministry of Health and international partners on disease control, surveillance and health system strengthening, including management of large donor funded programmes and coordination with global agencies.
Experts said his background in surveillance, outbreak response and managing large health portfolios positions him well to improve coordination and programme delivery at a time when implementation gaps are being highlighted.
Dr Razia Kaniz Fatima, placed third, has previously served as CMU National Coordinator and is well familiar with programme structures and donor requirements.
Officials said her qualification and experience remains a strength, though her earlier termination from the position over administrative concerns could affect her consideration.
The fourth candidate, Dr Muhammad Zaeem Zia, is also under consideration, though officials did not elaborate on his relative standing.
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, based on qualifications, experience and track record.
Officials acknowledged that the position of CMU National Coordinator is influential due to its oversight of major donor funded programmes and coordination with provinces and partners, and said interest from different quarters has been evident.
They said that given the current public health situation, the selection should be guided by professional competence.
The debate over the appointment has also drawn attention to the utilisation of international funding for HIV programmes. The federal health minister recently said that while the government receives only around seven percent of Global Fund resources for HIV, most funding is managed by external partners, yet the government continues to be held responsible for rising infections.
Ends