Key Takeaways
- Momin Agha has been appointed as the 9th secretary of the health ministry in 19 months.
- The appointment was made by the Establishment Division, with Agha joining immediately.
- Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated he had no involvement in the changes.
The health ministry in Pakistan has appointed Momin Agha as the 9th secretary in 19 months, according to a notification issued by the Establishment Division on Monday.
Agha, a BS-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), has been transferred and posted as secretary health with immediate effect and until further orders.
This rapid turnover of secretaries has been a notable feature of the health ministry under the tenure of Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, who took office in February 2025.
The previous secretaries included Nadeem Mahboob, Nasiruddin Mashood, Waqarul Hasan, Hamed Yaqoob, Aslam Ghauri, retired Captain Mahmood, and Fakhre Alam, with some serving for brief periods.
Health Minister Mustafa Kamal has stated that he had no involvement in the changes, as the Establishment Division is empowered to make such decisions.
Agha was previously the petroleum secretary, but was removed in January 2026 and directed to report to the Establishment Division without a further posting.
Mirza Nasiruddin Ahmad was appointed as the acting secretary on a look-after basis pending the appointment of a regular officer.
The frequent changes in the secretary position have raised questions about the stability and efficiency of the health ministry's administrative structure.
