Lahore ( The COW News Digital)In a landmark move towards gender inclusivity in governance, Pakistan’s Sialkot district has made history by becoming the first in the country where all key administrative positions are held by women. This significant milestone comes under the leadership of Punjab’s first-ever female Chief Minister, marking a new chapter for female representation in public service.
The historic transformation was solidified when Grade-19 officer Saba Asghar Ali formally took charge as Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sialkot on April 27, 2025. She is the first woman to hold this position in the district’s history. Alongside her, all four Assistant Commissioners (ACs) across Sialkot’s tehsils are also women, making the entire core of local administration female-led.
Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali, a seasoned officer from the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), brings with her a wealth of experience, having served on key provincial and federal assignments. Known for her strategic planning, transparency, and inclusive governance, she has prioritized sectors such as education, health, environmental sustainability, and public welfare since taking office.
Her policies and proactive field engagement have received widespread appreciation from both peers and the local community. DC Saba emphasizes transparency and civic participation, believing that strong community ties and collaborative governance are key to sustainable development.
This administrative configuration represents a powerful symbol of change in a region where bureaucratic leadership has traditionally been male-dominated. It reflects not only a progressive vision from the provincial leadership but also an institutional shift towards empowering women in civil service roles.
Observers and gender rights advocates have hailed the development as a bold and inspirational move, with potential ripple effects across the country. “This is not just symbolic—it’s structural change,” one senior official commented. “It sends a clear message that competence and leadership know no gender.”
While challenges remain in ensuring long-term institutional support and public acceptance, the example set by Sialkot could serve as a national blueprint for gender-balanced governance.
The Punjab government has indicated plans to extend similar appointments to other districts in the future, aligning with its broader commitment to gender equality and merit-based civil service reform.
