In Hesiod’s account, Zeus ordered the creation of Pandora as a punishment for humanity.
The story follows Prometheus’s conflict with Zeus. Prometheus helps humans by taking fire from the gods, and Zeus responds by devising a punishment that will affect mortals. He commands the gods to create Pandora, who is then sent to Epimetheus with the jar containing the troubles destined to enter human life.
Zeus’s role is broader than simply sending the container. In Hesiod’s narrative, he directs the plan, while individual gods contribute to Pandora’s appearance, skills, clothing, and other qualities. The myth therefore presents Pandora as a coordinated divine creation rather than the invention of one god alone.
This answer should not be confused with the gods who performed particular tasks. Hephaestus is credited with shaping her body in one account, while other deities provide gifts. Zeus is the authority who orders the creation and uses it as retaliation against humanity.