Pakistan PM shifts key powers to trustworthy aide, sidelining Principal Secretary

Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has handed over key administrative powers to his advisor, Dr. Syed Tauqir Ali Shah, effectively sidelining the role of the Principal Secretary.

According to an office memorandum from the Cabinet Division on Thursday, all official communications including summaries, notices, and case files must now be routed through Dr. Shah. This applies to all federal secretaries, ministries, divisions, and agencies under the federal government.

The move makes the post of the Principal Secretary effectively inactive. Dr. Shah will now oversee all matters related to the Prime Minister’s Office.

Dr. Shah was appointed as an advisor last month. Sources say Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif views him as a capable and trustworthy official.

Shehbaz reportedly requested Dr. Shah to leave his position at the World Bank to take charge of the Prime Minister’s Office, a request he accepted.

Dr. Shah previously served as Principal Secretary to Shehbaz Sharif during the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government before moving to the World Bank.

His return comes shortly after the removal of Asadur Rehman Gilani as Principal Secretary. Gilani has since been reassigned as Secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage.

Dr. Tauqir Shah is set to assume his new role with immediate effect, solidifying his position as the key figure in managing the Prime Minister’s affairs.