PM Sharif Appoints Lt Gen Saeed as WAPDA Chairman

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif appointed Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammad Saeed as the new Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), aiming to strengthen Pakistan’s water and energy sectors.

On August 4, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the appointment of Lieutenant General (Retired) Mohammad Saeed as the new Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), following approval by the federal cabinet, as reported by Pakistan Observer. The decision was formalized during a meeting in Islamabad, attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, where Sharif congratulated Saeed and expressed confidence in his leadership. Sharif stated that Saeed’s expertise would drive WAPDA’s critical role in national development, particularly in managing water and power resources, according to Dunya News.

Lieutenant General Saeed, a retired three-star general with nearly four decades of military service, brings extensive experience in strategic planning and logistics. His previous roles include Corps Commander of V Corps in Karachi, President of the National Defence University (NDU), and Director-General Analysis at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), as noted by Minute Mirror. Industry analysts suggest his disciplined approach could enhance efficiency in WAPDA’s mega projects, such as the Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams, amid Pakistan’s pressing energy and water challenges, per ProPakistani.

The appointment follows the resignation of the previous chairman, Lieutenant General (Retired) Sajjad Ghani, in June 2025, who cited personal reasons for stepping down after nearly three years, according to Dawn. Naveed Asghar Chaudhry served as acting chairman until Saeed’s appointment. Sharif praised Ghani’s contributions to energy and infrastructure projects, highlighting the government’s focus on continuity in WAPDA’s operations, as stated by Daily Times. Saeed’s leadership is expected to prioritize ongoing reforms, including boosting hydropower capacity and addressing climate-driven water management issues.

During the meeting, discussions centered on WAPDA’s role in national development, with Sharif emphasizing the need for operational excellence, per UrduPoint. Saeed’s appointment signals the government’s intent to leverage military expertise for strategic management of critical infrastructure. As Pakistan grapples with energy shortages and climate vulnerabilities, Saeed’s tenure will be closely watched for its impact on WAPDA’s ambitious projects and the nation’s sustainable development goals.