QUETTA: As part of a major reshuffle in the provincial bureaucracy, the Balochistan government on Monday appo­inted Saira Atta as commissioner of Lasbela division.

Ms Atta was serving in grade 20 as secretary for women development before her appointment to the post of Lasbela commissioner.

The move came as the Balochistan government issued notifications for the transfer and appoi­ntment of several senior officers, on Monday.

Officials claim that this is the first time in the province’s history that a woman has been appointed as commissioner of Lasbela division. Previously, the highest office held by a woman officer was that of deputy commissioner.

Ms Atta’s appointment means that both top officers in the division are women, as Hum­aira Bal­o­ch currently serves as the Lasbela deputy commissioner.

According to the notifications, Noor Ahmed Pirk­ani, who was awaiting posting, has been appointed as environment secretary, replacing Bashir Ahmed Ban­gulzai who has now been appointed as chairman of the Chief Minister’s Inspection Team (CMIT).

The outgoing CMIT chairman, Muhammad Ali Kakar, has been directed to report to the Services and General Administration Department for further assignment. The notification stated Sher Shah Ghilzai has been appointed as secretary for women development in place of Ms Atta, who has been posted as Lasbela commissioner.

While five women officers have earlier served as deputy commissioner in different areas, only two of them, Humaira Baloch in Lasbela and Farida Tareen in Sohbatpur, are currently serving.

Published in Dawn, July 28th, 2026