Balochistan has marked a historic milestone in its administrative history with the appointment of BS-20 senior officer Saira Atta as the first woman commissioner in the province’s history. She has been appointed Commissioner of Lasbela Division, becoming the first female officer to hold the position.
The appointment represents a significant moment for women’s representation in Balochistan’s civil administration and reflects the provincial government’s emphasis on expanding leadership opportunities for women through merit-based appointments.
Saira Atta, who belongs to Awaran district, has been entrusted with one of the province’s key administrative divisions under the leadership of Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti. Her appointment is being viewed as an important step towards greater female participation in senior decision-making positions within the provincial bureaucracy.
Lasbela Division Sets a Unique Administrative Record
With Saira Atta assuming office as Commissioner, Lasbela Division has created a unique administrative record. For the first time in Balochistan’s history, both the Divisional Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner of Lasbela are women.
Humaira Baloch, who serves as Deputy Commissioner of Lasbela, joins Commissioner Saira Atta in leading the division, making it the first division in the province where both of the top district administration posts are held by female officers.
Growing Representation of Women in Balochistan’s Civil Administration
The appointment of Saira Atta adds to the growing presence of women in Balochistan’s administrative services.
Among the province’s notable female officers is Ayesha Zehri, recognised as Balochistan’s first woman deputy commissioner and currently serving as Deputy Commissioner of Awaran.
Other women who have served as deputy commissioners include:
- Sadaf Batool Asadi, who served as Deputy Commissioner of Nasirabad.
- Farida Tareen, who served as Deputy Commissioner of Sohbatpur and became the province’s fifth woman deputy commissioner.
- Rohana Gul Kakar, who previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Hub.
Milestone for Women’s Leadership
The appointment of Saira Atta is widely seen as a landmark in the evolution of women’s leadership in Balochistan. It highlights the increasing role of women across public administration, education, social development and governance.
Her elevation to one of the province’s highest administrative positions underscores the expanding opportunities for women in public service and reinforces the importance of their participation in leadership and decision-making for the province’s long-term development.
