The Government of Pakistan has appointed Ms. Shireen Hina Asghar, a highly capable officer from the Pakistan Railways cadre, as Deputy Secretary Career Planning–I in the Establishment Division. Her new assignment comes after a period of outstanding performance at the Ministry of Interior, where she played a major role in modernizing visa-related functions and strengthening policy reforms. Her work earned wide appreciation within the federal system and positioned her as one of the most promising officers currently serving in Islamabad.
Her appointment is seen as a strategic move by the Establishment Division, reflecting the government’s confidence in her leadership, analytical strength, and commitment to improving institutional governance.
A Special Position Created to Utilize Her Expertise
During her tenure at the Ministry of Interior, her capabilities stood out so prominently that the Ministry created a dedicated position—Deputy Secretary Visa—exclusively for her. This step is rare in the federal bureaucracy and highlights the trust senior leadership placed in her ability to manage complex administrative tasks.
In this specialized role, she took the lead in strengthening Pakistan’s visa framework. Her efforts supported smoother coordination across different wings and improved the experience of citizens and foreign nationals applying for visas. Her work reflected deep understanding of administrative challenges, policy gaps, and the need for modernized systems that could match international standards.
Through this position, she contributed significantly to a transparent, digitized, and efficient visa management structure, leaving a mark that will have long-lasting benefits for the Ministry.
Driving Modernization and Improving Visa Operations
One of her major contributions was the use of automation to modernize visa operations. She worked closely with relevant departments to streamline data handling, eliminate unnecessary delays, and improve the overall speed of visa processing. Her approach prioritized efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, ensuring that daily processing became more dependable and secure.
Her policy insight also allowed her to support the drafting and refinement of several new visa rules. These updates were important for aligning Pakistan’s regulations with global standards and facilitating smoother travel for international visitors, investors, diplomats, and expatriates.
Additionally, she played a visible role in removing technical and administrative bottlenecks that previously slowed down the system. These improvements helped build public confidence and strengthened Pakistan’s global image regarding service delivery.
Official Appreciation Shield from the Ministry of Interior
Her exceptional contributions did not go unnoticed. The Ministry of Interior (Civil Armed Forces Wing) formally honored her with an Appreciation Shield, recognizing her professionalism, initiative, and reform-driven performance. Such official acknowledgment is not only a personal achievement but also a strong statement about the Ministry’s willingness to reward officers who bring meaningful change.
The shield represents multiple layers of recognition: confidence in her abilities, encouragement for high-performing officers, and a reiteration of the government’s commitment to strengthening governance through merit. It is also a reminder that public service thrives when talent and dedication are acknowledged with respect and appreciation.
Encouragement Across the Civil Service
Her recognition and new posting have created a positive ripple effect across the bureaucracy. Officers familiar with the situation noted that her appreciation sets an encouraging example for others. Many pointed out that recognizing competent officers boosts morale and helps cultivate a system where merit is valued genuinely.
Such moments send a powerful message inside the civil service: that hard work, integrity, and consistent performance will not go unnoticed. This belief is essential for nurturing a healthy administrative culture that can support reforms and deliver effective governance.
Her achievement has also resonated strongly among young officers who see her as an example of how dedication can open new pathways and responsibilities within federal institutions.
A New Role in the Establishment Division
Her appointment as Deputy Secretary Career Planning–I marks a new and important chapter in her civil service journey. The position places her at the center of federal HR management, where she will handle matters related to civil service planning, career development strategies, posting structures, and broader HR reforms.
Her responsibilities will contribute directly to shaping frameworks that influence how federal officers are groomed, evaluated, and positioned for leadership roles. The Establishment Division relies on officers with strong analytical and policy-making skills, and her posting reflects the confidence that she will excel in these responsibilities.
This role also gives her an opportunity to influence long-term governance improvements by helping refine administrative systems that affect thousands of civil servants across Pakistan.
Conclusion
From leading key improvements in Pakistan’s visa system to receiving an official appreciation shield and now earning a significant appointment in the Establishment Division, Ms. Shireen Hina Asghar’s journey reflects commitment, competence, and a passion for public service. Her accomplishments highlight how dedicated officers can drive real change within government institutions.
Her recognition also carries an important message: when the State supports capable officers and acknowledges their contributions, institutions become stronger, policies become more effective, and governance improves. Her example reinforces the belief that hard work and merit remain essential foundations of a successful civil service, inspiring others to follow the same path of integrity, professionalism, and excellence.
