LAHORE:
For the first time in its history, the Sialkot district has become a pioneer in the inclusion of gender within the provincial bureaucracy, which now has a commissioned woman attached and commissioned attendees who run the four Tehsils.
On April 27, Saba Asghar Ali, an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) of BS-19, formally assumed the role of Sialkot’s attached commissioner (DC), becoming the first woman to direct the district administration.
Since its appointment, DC Saba has led initiatives focused on education, medical care, environmental protection and public welfare, which receives praise from both colleagues and the local community.
The historical change of the district does not end at the top. The four Tehsils of Sialkot, Sialkot, Daska, Sambria and Pasrur, are now headed by commissioners attending, marking a rare and powerful example of female representation at multiple levels of local governance.
Saba Asghar Ali, Deputy Commissioner, Sialkot
Saba, a Professional PAS bureaucrat, has previously served in several administrative roles and policy formulation at the provincial and federal level. Known for its meticulous planning and government style centered on people, it emphasizes transparency and citizen participation in public service.
Anum Babar, Assistant Commissioner, Sialkot Tehsil
A young energetic officer, Anum Babar, is reputed to his field work and close interaction with the public. Their initiatives focus on education, health and monitoring of municipal services. It is often seen visiting schools, markets and government facilities without prior notice to evaluate first -hand conditions.
Ghulam Fátima, assistant commissioner, Tehsil Sambria
With great interest in environmental protection and urban planning, Ghulam Fatima has led campaigns to enforce single -use plastics prohibitions and improve sanitation. His proactive approach has earned his respect between environmental groups and local administration.
SiTtar, Assistant Commissioner, Pasrur Tehsil
Known for its quiet behavior and administrative insight, Sidra Sattar focuses on resolving citizens’ complaints, improving the provision of services and strengthening coordination between departments. It is committed to making public offices more accessible and receptive to people.
Sadia Jaffar, commissioned assistant, Daska Tehsil
Sadia Jaffar has been appointed AC of Daska Tehsil. With this, Sialkot becomes the first district to have a female DC and all female ACS. Sadia has also served as ac (ut) in Vehari and was the only woman (general) in the department of origin, Punjab.
Rupture barriers
The history of Sialkot’s progressive civic participation and its reputation as a global manufacturing center are now complemented by their willingness to promote women to key decision -making roles.
The senior government officials of Punjab have praised this development as a sign of changing times, pointing out that it is aligned with the commitment of the provincial administration with gender equality in the civil service.
While these appointments symbolize progress, the challenges remain. Official women still face cultural and institutional obstacles in rural and semi -urban environments. However, the trust and professionalism shown 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 lighthouse of inclusion, which shows that competition does not know gender.
