LAHORE: Water and Power Development Authority’s member (water wing) Muhammad Shoaib Iqbal has resigned from the post, after informing the quarters concerned in writing about his decision, and Engr Nasir Haneef has been appointed to his post on an officiating basis.

Mr Haneef is slated to be the next chief of Wapda’s most important department — the water wing, official sources told Dawn.

“The resignation of the water wing’s boss does not appear to be a routine matter, especially at a time when the government has various hydro-power projects — some of them near completion — being executed through Wapda. Similarly, preparatory work (land acquisition, appointment of consultants, contractors, etc) on two mega projects — Dasu and Basha, is under way these days,” explains an official source.

Mr Iqbal, however, dispelled any impression of intrigue behind his decision to resign. “I submitted my resignation to Wapda Chairman retired Lieutenant General Muzammil Hussain around two weeks ago. At present, my resignation is under process and I don’t know whether it has been accepted or not,” Mr Iqbal told Dawn. “I have resigned due to personal reasons...nothing more. I did it after taking the chairman into confidence,” he added.

Mr Iqbal said he had taken the Wapda chief into confidence about his reasons for resigning and, “finally, [the chairman] said okay”. He said the process of accepting his resignation, clearance, etc, was under way and would soon be completed.

“I think I have worked in various stressful positions at the Wapda and other institutions, trying hard to come up to the expectations of my seniors. Whatever I did, I am satisfied and appreciate the Wapda chairman for making extraordinary efforts to accomplish various projects under way,” the 62-year-old member (water) maintained.

The Wapda chairman and his public relations’ directorate were not available for comments. However, an official confirmed that Engr Haneef had been entrusted with the post of water wing member.

“Mr Haneef is presently serving as member (water) on an officiating basis. I don’t know whether Mr Iqbal has resigned or not or proceeded for leave,” he added.

Last year, former Wapda chairman Zafar Mahmood had resigned in August, citing “personal reasons”. Retired Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain had replaced him as the new chairman.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2017