In a key development, the federal government on Thursday appointed Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, a BS-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, as Secretary of the Petroleum Division with immediate effect.
“Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh, a BS-22 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service, presently posted as Secretary, National Health Services Regulations and Coordination Division, is transferred and posted as Secretary, Petroleum Division, with immediate effect and until further orders,” read a notification issued by the Establishment Division on Thursday.
The reshuffle comes at a time when Pakistan’s energy sector faces significant challenges, including supply constraints and rising global oil prices amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
The Petroleum Division plays a key role in overseeing the country’s oil and gas sector, energy imports, and policy coordination related to petroleum resources.
On Wednesday, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, after a meeting with Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, disclosed that Saudi authorities have assured Pakistan of secure energy supplies through the Port of Yanbu on the Red Sea to help meet the country’s energy needs.
He informed that one vessel has been assured a dispatch from Pakistan to the Port of Yanbu to lift crude oil for Pakistan. He further expressed hope that supplies of oil from the Port of Yanbu will be prioritised for Pakistan.
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