ISLAMABAD (TNS) The door to the office opened with a soft creak, and as I stepped inside, a profound sense of calm and dedication enveloped me, as if I had entered the chamber of a public servant whose every corner reflects prudence and accountability. Rows of meticulously organized files on the walls, the polished wooden cabinets, and the silent resonance in the air created an environment that appeared simple, yet was imbued with power, discipline, and unwavering commitment to service.
I accompanied Rashid bin Amir, President of the District Press Club, Khanewal, into this office, where amidst the piles of files, mobile phones, and pressing matters, sat Ghulam Mustafa Sehar—an officer whose presence struck like a silent storm, yet manifested in serene composure. This is the vision of a healer of administrative ills, the true face of the civil service, molded by parental guidance and the discipline of mentors. Hailing from a noble and principled lineage, every action of his reflects honesty, decency, and a profound sense of duty. There is no arrogance, no ostentation, no superficial show—only relentless focus on work, and a deep understanding of every issue that crosses his desk.
Though I had no prior personal acquaintance with him, his approach to meeting, listening, and comprehending immediately resonated with me. Each word carried the sweetness of accountability and the quiet power of authority. I instantly recognized that this was no ordinary officer; he is a luminous and ethical pillar of district administration.
I am grateful to Rashid bin Amir for introducing me to such a remarkable officer, for witnessing the bureaucratic intricacies and sluggish processes of Khanewal’s revenue system firsthand might have otherwise left me bewildered. I had no personal grievance, yet in my struggle to remove illegal encroachments on government land, the tedious queues of papers, signatures, and bureaucratic formalities tested my patience. Hours spent waiting for approvals, indifference to petitions, and the lethargic attitudes of some officials made one feel as though hope itself was baking under the sun.
The bureaucratic burden, exacerbated by systemic inertia that reformers like Maryam Nawaz seek to eradicate, was starkly evident here. Yet, standing there weary and overwhelmed, I met Ghulam Mustafa Sehar, and the encounter transformed the atmosphere. When I shook his hand, an internal surge of energy coursed through me, yet he received me with a smile and composed demeanor. Every handshake radiated confidence and an extraordinary warmth, while his interactions with all around him conveyed equality, respect, and genuine attentiveness.
He bears no arrogance, fears no human interaction, and his demeanor reflects an accessible, service-oriented, and resilient personality. Each gesture, every smile, and every glance communicates dedication, as if placing the visitor at the center of attention, honesty, and compassion. Standing before such an officer, one immediately understands that he is not merely an occupant of a government post, but a source of hope and reassurance for the people.
Ghulam Mustafa Sehar does not merely observe documents like a conventional bureaucrat; he immerses himself among the public to assess situations directly, whether it pertains to health campaigns, educational oversight, or emergency response. Under his guidance, campaigns against dengue, polio, and other public health initiatives have not only reduced case numbers but also restored public trust.
In education and social services, his presence is equally tangible—supervising schools and colleges, managing NOCs for marriages, overseeing shelters, assisting the differently-abled, and curbing child labor. Public grievances are addressed promptly, programs are implemented efficiently, and development projects, elections, encroachment removals, traffic management, and bus stands fall under his vigilant oversight. These achievements, though sometimes reported in documents, manifest in tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
Particularly in the aftermath of floods, his leadership and commitment shone vividly. Among the ruined homes, flooded fields, and shattered infrastructure, he was at the forefront—coordinating relief, restoring agriculture, and facilitating reconstruction. Every family’s plight, every field’s devastation, every collapsed structure was not overlooked. He combined strategic foresight with empathy, ensuring practical solutions through human connection. In the eyes of affected families, his presence became a beacon of hope—proof that this officer is not confined to paperwork but is genuinely a pillar of support.
Ghulam Mustafa Sehar’s leadership exemplifies timely decision-making, teamwork, and the integrity that distinguishes effective civil servants. In moments of crisis—whether floods, earthquakes, or emergencies—his prompt and principled action often makes the difference between life and loss.
His performance sets a benchmark for civil service. He demonstrates unwavering attention, honesty, and strategic acumen in every task, surpassing expectations on performance evaluations. Under his guidance, work progresses with both speed and quality. Transparency, accountability, and service to the people remain his guiding principles, creating a tangible impact within district administration.
Despite limited resources, political pressure, and diverse responsibilities, he consistently delivers. From leading flood relief operations to coordinating health campaigns, his efforts not only alleviate immediate crises but restore public confidence. His every action reflects a philosophy of service, treating every citizen’s concern as personally significant.
His office, with its meticulously arranged files and documents, is not just an administrative space but a testament to responsibility—each file a story, each paper a duty, each signature a commitment.
This column conveys a vital message: true leadership is often quiet in appearance but profound in action. Ghulam Mustafa Sehar’s story is not only that of an exemplary officer but of a system that prioritizes public welfare and humane responsibility. His dedication, honesty, and sincerity have transformed district administration, improved citizens’ lives, and brought relief to those in crisis—a standard that every civil servant should aspire to uphold.
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