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