Meet the women leading key administrative roles in Sialkot

For the first time in its history, Sialkot district has become a trailblazer in gender inclusion within the provincial bureaucracy, now boasting a woman deputy commissioner and women assistant commissioners heading all four of its tehsils. On April 27, Saba Asghar Ali, a Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer of BS-19, formally assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sialkot, becoming the first woman to lead the district administration. Since her appointment, DC Saba has led initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, environmental protection, and public welfare, earning praise from both colleagues and the local community. The district’s historic shift does not end at the top. All four of Sialkot’s tehsils—Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, and Pasrur—are now headed by women assistant commissioners, marking a rare and powerful example of female representation at multiple tiers of local governance. Saba Asghar Ali, Deputy Commissioner, Sialkot A career bureaucrat from the PAS, Saba has previously served in various administrative and policy-making roles at both provincial and federal levels. Known for her meticulous planning and people-centric governance style, she emphasises transparency and citizen engagement in public service. Anum Babar, Assistant Commissioner, Sialkot Tehsil An energetic young officer, Anum Babar has a reputation for her fieldwork and close interaction with the public. Her initiatives focus on education, health, and monitoring municipal services. She is often seen visiting schools, markets, and government facilities unannounced to assess conditions firsthand. Ghulam Fatima, Assistant Commissioner, Sambrial Tehsil With a keen interest in environmental protection and urban planning, Ghulam Fatima has led campaigns to enforce bans on single-use plastics and improve sanitation. Her proactive approach has earned her respect among environmental groups and the local administration. Sidra Sattar, Assistant Commissioner, Pasrur Tehsil Known for her calm demeanor and administrative acumen, Sidra Sattar focuses on resolving citizens' complaints, improving service delivery, and strengthening coordination between departments. She is committed to making public offices more accessible and responsive to the people. Sadia Jaffar, Assistant Commissioner, Daska Tehsil Sadia Jaffar has recently been appointed AC of Daska Tehsil. With this, Sialkot becomes the first district to have both a female DC and all female ACs. Sadia has also served as AC (UT) in Vehari and was the only female SO (General) at the Home Department, Punjab. Breaking Barriers Sialkot’s history of progressive civic engagement and its reputation as a global manufacturing hub are now complemented by its willingness to promote women to key decision-making roles. Senior officials in the Punjab government have lauded this development as a sign of changing times, noting that it aligns with the provincial administration’s commitment to gender equality in the civil service. While these appointments symbolise progress, challenges remain. Women officers still face cultural and institutional hurdles in rural and semi-urban settings. However, the confidence and professionalism displayed by the new DC and ACs suggest that they are up to the task. Together, these appointments send a strong message about the growing role of women in leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. For now, the district stands as a beacon of inclusivity, proving that competence knows no gender.

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/8Tfgq1E

Meet the women leading key administrative roles in Sialkot

For the first time in its history, Sialkot district has become a trailblazer in gender inclusion within the provincial bureaucracy, now boasting a woman deputy commissioner and women assistant commissioners heading all four of its tehsils. On April 27, Saba Asghar Ali, a Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer of BS-19, formally assumed the role of Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sialkot, becoming the first woman to lead the district administration. Since her appointment, DC Saba has led initiatives focusing on education, healthcare, environmental protection, and public welfare, earning praise from both colleagues and the local community. The district’s historic shift does not end at the top. All four of Sialkot’s tehsils—Sialkot, Daska, Sambrial, and Pasrur—are now headed by women assistant commissioners, marking a rare and powerful example of female representation at multiple tiers of local governance. Saba Asghar Ali, Deputy Commissioner, Sialkot A career bureaucrat from the PAS, Saba has previously served in various administrative and policy-making roles at both provincial and federal levels. Known for her meticulous planning and people-centric governance style, she emphasises transparency and citizen engagement in public service. Anum Babar, Assistant Commissioner, Sialkot Tehsil An energetic young officer, Anum Babar has a reputation for her fieldwork and close interaction with the public. Her initiatives focus on education, health, and monitoring municipal services. She is often seen visiting schools, markets, and government facilities unannounced to assess conditions firsthand. Ghulam Fatima, Assistant Commissioner, Sambrial Tehsil With a keen interest in environmental protection and urban planning, Ghulam Fatima has led campaigns to enforce bans on single-use plastics and improve sanitation. Her proactive approach has earned her respect among environmental groups and the local administration. Sidra Sattar, Assistant Commissioner, Pasrur Tehsil Known for her calm demeanor and administrative acumen, Sidra Sattar focuses on resolving citizens' complaints, improving service delivery, and strengthening coordination between departments. She is committed to making public offices more accessible and responsive to the people. Sadia Jaffar, Assistant Commissioner, Daska Tehsil Sadia Jaffar has recently been appointed AC of Daska Tehsil. With this, Sialkot becomes the first district to have both a female DC and all female ACs. Sadia has also served as AC (UT) in Vehari and was the only female SO (General) at the Home Department, Punjab. Breaking Barriers Sialkot’s history of progressive civic engagement and its reputation as a global manufacturing hub are now complemented by its willingness to promote women to key decision-making roles. Senior officials in the Punjab government have lauded this development as a sign of changing times, noting that it aligns with the provincial administration’s commitment to gender equality in the civil service. While these appointments symbolise progress, challenges remain. Women officers still face cultural and institutional hurdles in rural and semi-urban settings. However, the confidence and professionalism displayed by the new DC and ACs suggest that they are up to the task. Together, these appointments send a strong message about the growing role of women in leadership positions traditionally dominated by men. For now, the district stands as a beacon of inclusivity, proving that competence knows no gender.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/8Tfgq1E

PTI not involved in any backdoor talks: Barrister Gohar

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said that there are currently no backdoor negotiations underway with the government, and that the dialogue process has not progressed. Speaking to the media near Adiala Jail on Tuesday, he reiterated his stance that all options should remain open in political struggles, stressing the importance of advancing the dialogue process with the right stakeholders. "PTI had never shied away from negotiations, and founder Imran Khan has consistently advocated for talks," he added. Barrister Gohar went on to clarify that Imran Khan had rejected the government’s offer for negotiations, stating that the government needed to take positive steps before talks could commence. He added that if a meeting with Imran Khan took place, the government's offer would be discussed. Read More: Imran, Bushra seek expedited hearing to suspend convictions He also recalled a previous encounter in Parliament where Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had suggested using the National Assembly speaker’s office to facilitate dialogue. He confirmed that it had been a month since he last met with Imran Khan and that, due to the budget session, the meeting had been delayed. However, he was hopeful that a meeting with Imran Khan would lead to finding a resolution. PTI chairman pointed out that Islamabad High Court had issued clear orders not to block meetings, emphasising that such barriers should not hinder the process. He noted that allowing more people to meet would bring positive and encouraging messages, especially considering that Imran Khan consistently delivers messages for the nation’s welfare. Also Read: Imran Khan denies authorising talks with establishment Barrister Gohar expressed that the immediate release of Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, remains a priority for PTI. Over 700 days have passed since their imprisonment, and he stressed that at the very least, they should be granted access for meetings. He added that political progress should not be hindered by such obstacles. He said, "Once access is granted, we will discuss the offers and also address the letters from the prisoners." Barrister Gohar revealed that following his meeting with Imran Khan at Adiala Jail, several important discussions took place, including party affairs, legal matters, and the ongoing political movement. He noted that such meetings, especially when restrictions like news blackout and limited visitation rights are imposed, become more significant as they open the doors to deeper discussions.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/ATwVsbj

SC decries media trial of accused in custody

The Supreme Court has ruled that confessional statements made by an accused while in police custody and recorded by the media are inadmissible in court, warning that such media-facilitated confessions can undermine the presumption of innocence and irreparably damage the accused and the judicial process. "A confession made by such an accused while in custody of a police officer cannot be proved against him/her unless made in the immediate presence of a Magistrate," states the 25-page judgment authored by Justice Athar Minallah. The bench was hearing a criminal appeal in which the accused, earlier sentenced to death by the trial court and whose conviction was upheld by the high court based on circumstantial evidence and his televised confession, was acquitted by the SC. "It is not uncommon for a reporter to be given access to interview and record a statement of the accused and then disseminate it for information of the public. The news regarding a crime is always of interest to the people, particularly when the case is of high profile or the nature of the crime is of interest to the general public. An unusual interest of the public could lead to a media trial and the consequences could be irretrievable, not only for the accused but the victims as well." The judgment warned that such trials could also obstruct justice by enabling wrongful convictions. "The public interest may also be harmed by preventing the actual perpetrators of the crime from being held to account and instead facilitating the conviction of an innocent person on the basis of a perceived imputation of guilt," it said. Justice Minallah noted that media holds enormous power to shape narratives - whether true or false - and this influence can wreak irreparable harm on the reputation and lives of not only the accused but also their families. "The media has the unique power to make heroes or villains, intentionally or unintentionally, and such powers are susceptible to be abused in a society where the State suppresses freedom of expression and manipulates the media." In such a context, the judgment underscores that an even greater ethical responsibility lies on the media. "A greater responsibility rests with the media to strictly observe high standards of ethical codes in order to strike a balance between the rights of parties involved in criminal proceedings and the public interest i.e. what information should be disseminated to the general public." The judgment noted that the bedrock of the criminal justice system was the right to a fair trial, rooted in the presumption of innocence. "The guilt can only be proved in a trial before a competent court. The investigation ought to be conducted strictly in accordance with the procedure prescribed under the law i.e the Cr.P.C. and, that too, by a person authorised in this regard." Justice Minallah stressed that every effort must be made by investigators to protect the rights of the accused. "Extreme caution and care are required to be exercised by those associated with the process of investigation to safeguard the rights of an accused - his or her right to be presumed innocent, the right to privacy, reputation, respect for private life and the lives of the family members and the right against self-incrimination." Those involved in criminal investigations must not act in ways that create or support perceptions of guilt. "It is an onerous obligation of the investigators, prosecutors and other persons associated with the task of investigation to prevent the creation of perception and bias by acting in any manner likely to impute guilt." The court also called on media to uphold the dignity of both the accused and victims. "It is also the responsibility of the media, in any form, to respect the rights of an accused as well as the victims while reporting on matters relating to criminal proceedings. A disproportionate and excessive media spotlight and the manner in which it is presented is likely to create perceptions of guilt and influence the public as well as those who are associated with the criminal proceedings." In this regard, Justice Minallah acknowledged that judicial officers are not immune. "The judicial officers are also humans and in this age of information and technology it would not be wrong to assume that they may also be susceptible to be influenced by the media coverage. This is a universal phenomenon."

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/7QYR4TZ

No proposal to replace President Zardari: Irfan Siddiqui

Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Parliamentary Party Leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the Senate and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, categorically rejected any change in the President’s office, calling reports on the matter baseless. "There is no proposal under consideration at any level to replace President Asif Zardari. He is performing excellently in his role as the constitutional head of state," he stated. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has also dismissed rumours about the possible removal of President Asif Ali Zardari, stating that some people are uncomfortable because politicians, the government and the military stand united. "For the first time, politicians, the government and the military establishment are on the same page, and that bothers certain individuals. These people are spreading such stories," Naqvi, who does not belong to any of the ruling parties but is regarded close to Zardari, said on Saturday. Speaking to a private news channel, Siddiqui mentioned that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stands with PML-N. He appreciated PPP's positive role in supporting the government, however, he clarified that supporting the government does not mean agreeing on everything. Read More: Naqvi dispels Zardari removal rumours He also highlighted Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s commendable role in diplomacy, noting that he has played a highly positive role in representing Pakistan’s interests on the international stage. Moreover, in response to rumours about a supposed meeting between PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan in Adiala Jail, Siddiqui called the claim completely false and baseless. "The problem is that, following the conclusion of recent wars and the decline of Tehreek-e-Insaf and Imran Khan’s influence, the media is struggling to find new topics and has resorted to sensationalism," he remarked. On another issue, the senator said that the path Imran Khan has chosen is one of isolation. He noted the division within PTI, which he sees as the biggest challenge for him. He suggested that it would be better for Khan to first negotiate within his own party. Also Read: Deputy PM dismisses reports of Nawaz-Imran meeting as rumours Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had also denied reports of a meeting between PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif and PTI founder Imran Khan, calling them baseless and part of a “sponsored narrative” aimed at creating political confusion. "These are baseless speculations—it could be someone’s wish list. We don’t need to approach anyone," he said. Senator Siddiqui added that whether Nawaz Sharif holds a public or party office, he remains the most influential figure in Pakistan, and his opinion is considered in all major decisions. In response to a question about whether the general elections will be held on time, he stated that elections will take place once the constitutional term has been completed. Regarding the meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and former interior minister Chaudhry Nisar, he clarified that there is no proposal under consideration for Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan to rejoin PML-N. "Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited him only to inquire about his health, and nothing beyond that took place," he confirmed.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/sU7bqHM

Naqvi assures UAE visa issues will be resolved soon

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has acknowledged that Pakistanis are facing difficulties in obtaining visas for the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman, but assured that the issues would be resolved soon. “UAE visa rejection has become a significant issue. I am meeting with the interior minister of the UAE on July 9, and I am hopeful that we will find a solution to this,” said Naqvi while addressing a gathering at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Monday. He also highlighted the government's efforts to improve the global ranking of the green passport and expressed optimism that the country’s passport ranking would soon see a significant rise. "We are proud of our green passport, and in the future, it will be a source of even greater pride," he stated. Naqvi stressed the importance of Karachi's well-being for the country’s overall progress, declaring, “If Karachi is healthy, Pakistan will be healthy.” He vowed that the federal government would do everything possible to address the city's growing challenges, especially crime and smuggling. He also revealed that discussions are underway with NADRA to integrate criminal records into citizens' national ID cards. “The Safe City project in Karachi is expected to significantly reduce crime rates, following the success of similar initiatives,” he added. The minister addressed the issue of smuggling, acknowledging that while it has not been completely eradicated, Pakistan had only six coast guard boats to patrol its 1,002-kilometre coastline. However, two additional boats have been added, and further strengthening of the coast guard is planned. He also admitted that the government had not done sufficient planning for water supply in major cities but expressed hope for positive progress in the future. Naqvi emphasized that peaceful labour strikes are a fundamental right, but the government’s primary goal is to boost the national economy, which is currently a top priority. Naqvi further appreciated that the initial ten days of Muharram passed peacefully across the country, thanks to the crucial role played by all provinces. “The government maintained close coordination with provincial authorities, minimising mobile network disruptions and providing relief to citizens,” he said. In conclusion, he assured that the government would crack down on the black-market trading of dollars, aiming to stabilise the currency and improve the economy.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/AHDjkoZ

Millions of oysters wash ashore at Clifton beach

A rare and extraordinary natural occurrence drew large crowds to Clifton beach on Friday, as millions of oysters were found washed ashore across a vast stretch of the coastline. According to eyewitnesses, many of the oysters were still alive, creating a surreal scene that attracted both residents and beachgoers. Visitors gathered along the beach, collecting oyster shells as souvenirs and snapping photos of the spectacle. Marine experts attribute the phenomenon to changing wind patterns that triggered strong tidal currents. Moazzam Khan, Technical Advisor at WWF-Pakistan, said that the shift in wind direction caused powerful waves that brought the oysters to the surface and eventually to shore. "While marine pollution often leads to oyster mortality, the presence of live oysters suggests that tidal action, rather than contamination, was the primary cause," he added. Khan also identified a huge portion of the species washed ashore as blood clams, a type of marine bivalve. The beach, he said, was heavily littered with both large and small oysters, indicating the scale of the event. Subsequently, the Clifton Cantonment Board launched a cleanup operation using heavy machinery to clear the beach of oyster remains, which had begun to emit a strong odor due to decomposition in the sweltering heat. Oysters are marine mollusks known for their hard protective shells. In many countries, including Thailand, China, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, oyster meat is considered a delicacy. Some species, such as pearl oysters, can produce natural pearls, though these are found only rarely — typically in a small fraction of specimens. Oyster shells are commonly seen on beaches worldwide, but they are usually empty with no living organism inside, which has either died naturally or been consumed by predators. Most oysters live buried in seabeds or riverbeds, with some species living for several years. North America is known to host the greatest diversity of oyster species. Oyster shells have long been used in the production of jewelry and decorative items, especially those containing pearls formed under high pressure within the mollusk over time.

from Pakistan News, Latest News Pakistan, Pakistan Headline | The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/n0fUcHm