KARACHI: In a landmark move reflecting the Sindh government’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, Sarah Javed has been appointed as the first Christian Deputy Commissioner (DC) in the province’s history.
According to an official notification, Sarah Javed, a Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) officer of BS-18, has been posted as Deputy Commissioner of Sanghar district. Prior to this, she was serving as Deputy Secretary at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Sindh.
“Ms. Sarah Javed, PAS (BS-18), Deputy Secretary, Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Sindh is transferred and posted with immediate effect and until further orders as Collector/Deputy Commissioner, Sanghar,” read the notification issued by Chief Secretary Sindh.
The notification also announced that Shehryar Gul, PAS (BS-19), who was holding additional charge as DC Shaheed Benazirabad, has been relieved of the Sanghar assignment.
Broader Push for Minority Inclusion
This historic appointment comes just days after Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah met with leaders from the Hindu community in Larkana and Sukkur Divisions, reaffirming his government’s efforts to promote minority representation in public service.
During the meeting, the CM announced the recruitment of Kolhi, Bheel, and Meghwar individuals into the Sindh Police, under a policy focused on inclusive hiring.
He also addressed concerns around the safety of minorities, particularly the Hindu community, clarifying that of the 310 kidnapping cases reported in 2024–25, only eight victims were Hindu. Seven of those victims have already been recovered, while one case involving a man named Rajesh remains unresolved.
The chief minister noted that five Muslim victims also remain missing, emphasizing that the government’s anti-kidnapping efforts are directed without religious bias and that incidents of ransom abductions have significantly declined.
A Symbol of Progress
Sarah Javed’s elevation to the post of Deputy Commissioner is being widely seen as a symbolic and substantive achievement for religious minorities in Pakistan, especially in the realm of civil service. Her appointment not only sets a precedent but also underscores the government’s resolve to foster equal opportunity and representation across all communities.
