Balochistan posts Saira Atta as Lasbela commissioner in major reshuffle

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has appointed Saira Atta as commissioner of Lasbela division in a wider bureaucratic reshuffle, placing a woman officer in the post for the first time in the province’s history, officials said.

Ms Atta, a grade 20 officer who had been serving as secretary for women development, was given the new assignment through notifications issued on Monday covering the transfer and posting of several senior officials.

Her appointment means Lasbela’s two top administrative offices are now held by women, with Humaira Baloch already serving as deputy commissioner of the division. Officials said women officers in Balochistan had previously reached the level of deputy commissioner, but not the office of commissioner. They added that five women have served as deputy commissioner in different areas of the province, while Humaira Baloch in Lasbela and Farida Tareen in Sohbatpur are currently serving in those roles.

Under the same reshuffle, Noor Ahmed Pirkani, who had been awaiting posting, was appointed environment secretary, replacing Bashir Ahmed Bangulzai. Mr Bangulzai has been posted as chairman of the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team.

Muhammad Ali Kakar, who had been serving as chairman of the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team, was directed to report to the Services and General Administration Department for further assignment. Sher Shah Ghilzai was appointed secretary for women development in place of Ms Atta.