Meet Sarah Javed: First Christian Deputy Commissioner of Sindh, Pakistan

Dubai: In a historic step toward greater representation of religious minorities in Pakistan’s civil service, the Sindh government has appointed Sarah Javed as the province’s first-ever Christian Deputy Commissioner, assigning her to lead Sanghar district.

According to an official notification issued by the Chief Secretary Sindh, Javed, an officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) in Grade 18, has been transferred from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, where she served as Deputy Secretary, and posted with immediate effect as Collector/Deputy Commissioner, Sanghar in the Sindh Province of Pakistan.

Who is Sara?

A 2014 CSS qualifier, Sarah Javed brings more than a decade of field and administrative experience to her new role. She has served with distinction as Assistant Commissioner in Karachi’s Saddar and SITE areas, and in Hyderabad. She also served for over a year as Additional Deputy Commissioner-I in Tharparkar, one of the most underdeveloped districts in Sindh.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Javed played a vital role in managing response efforts in Karachi’s District South, coordinating healthcare logistics, implementing safety protocols, and working closely with frontline workers. Her performance earned her national recognition and an award for exceptional public service.

Sarah Javed’s appointment is being widely hailed as a landmark achievement for the Christian community in Pakistan, a religious minority that has long contributed to the nation’s development despite facing systemic challenges.

A symbol of progress

Sarah’s appointment stands as a beacon of hope for equal opportunity for all communities in public service. Her leadership in Sanghar is expected to bring fresh energy to local governance, particularly in areas like healthcare, education, and inclusive community development.

Government’s ongoing push for diversity

The appointment comes in the wake of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s recent outreach to minority communities. Just days earlier, he met with Hindu leaders from Larkana and Sukkur divisions and announced the induction of Kolhis, Bhils, and Meghwars into the Sindh Police, as part of a broader inclusive hiring strategy.

Pakistani Christian community

The Christian community, making up about 1.6% of Pakistan’s population, has historically played a significant role in the country’s education, healthcare, and civil services.

Christian professionals have long served as doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, and armed forces personnel, often working in underserved areas.

Some notable Christian Pakistanis include:

Justice A.R. Cornelius, the only non-Muslim Chief Justice of Pakistan’s Supreme Court.

Dr. Ruth Pfau, a Catholic nun and physician known as “Pakistan’s Mother Teresa,” who led the fight against leprosy.

Emmanuel Ghaffar, a trailblazer in the civil services who served in key administrative posts.