The DCs people called angels: Why Gujrat is finding It difficult to say goodbye

There is an unwritten rule in Pakistan's bureaucracy: when a Deputy Commissioner is transferred, another officer takes charge

There is an unwritten rule in Pakistan’s bureaucracy: when a Deputy Commissioner is transferred, another officer takes charge and life moves on. People welcome the new administration and gradually forget the previous one. However, Gujrat has witnessed something unusual. Residents have come forward to bid farewell to an outgoing officer, expressing emotions rarely associated with bureaucratic transfers.

That officer is Noorulain Qureshi, whose departure has left many residents remembering her as someone who brought the administration closer to ordinary people.

A similar response was witnessed in Nankana Sahib when Tasleem Akhtar Rao completed her tenure. Both officers were appointed by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif with expectations of improving administrative performance and restoring public confidence.

An Office That Belonged to the People

During her posting in Gujrat, Noorulain Qureshi reportedly developed an approach that reduced the distance between citizens and the district administration.

Residents recall that her office was accessible, her official telephone number remained available to the public, and people could approach her without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.

One widow from Kot Bhelwal reportedly shared how the officer helped her financially, including paying her electricity bill from her personal resources. Other accounts describe monthly ration assistance for widows provided from her salary, without publicity or official ceremonies.

Her approach was also described as independent of political affiliations. Whether someone belonged to PTI, PML-N or PPP, their genuine problems were reportedly given attention.

For many residents, this personal connection became the defining feature of her administration.

A Farewell Message That Revealed Her Journey

Her farewell message offered a glimpse into an emotional relationship with the city.

She recalled beginning her administrative career as an Assistant Commissioner in Gujrat in 2015. She also referred to difficult memories associated with her 2019 posting, explaining how returning to the same district as Deputy Commissioner felt like an unexpected blessing from Allah.

One particularly memorable moment was when her parents visited her office and photographed themselves beside the Deputy Commissioner nameplate. She described the pride in their eyes as more valuable than any professional recognition.

She also acknowledged that 15 months were not enough to resolve every problem facing Gujrat.

Development, Challenges and Unfinished Work

During her tenure, several infrastructure improvements were highlighted. Old GT Road, previously known for poor lighting, received illumination, while improvements to road connectivity, including Rehman Shaheed Road, helped address traffic difficulties.

Green belts were also developed through the plantation of thousands of trees.

However, she openly acknowledged the challenges surrounding the city’s sewerage system. Comparing its condition to a seriously ill patient beginning treatment, she explained that only Rs3.7 billion of the allocated Rs17.4 billion had been utilised, with substantial work still remaining beyond December 2027.

She also appreciated the officers, administrative staff, sanitation workers and field teams who supported her during three simultaneous flood-related challenges involving rivers, rainfall and drainage systems.

A Personal Note Behind Public Service

Her farewell message included a light-hearted reference to her husband, who also served as a Deputy Commissioner and District Police Officer during their postings.

She jokingly observed that despite working around 20 hours daily, seven days a week, residents seemed to appreciate him more because of his police uniform.

Before concluding, she requested residents to look after the trees planted during her tenure, including Gulmohar, Amaltas, Jacaranda, Plumeria and Tabebuia.

She expressed her hope that people would share updates as these plants grew and eventually transformed the city’s roads with colour.

Perhaps that explains the emotions surrounding her departure. People remember public officials not only for development projects but also for how they respond when someone approaches them with a personal difficulty.

Noorulain Qureshi and Tasleem Akhtar Rao have left behind stories that residents continue to share.

Gujrat’s farewell is therefore about more than an administrative transfer. It reflects the value people place on accessibility, compassion and public service.

Allah Hafiz, Noorulain Qureshi. The people of Gujrat will remember the roads you improved, the people you helped and, perhaps most importantly, the flowers you left behind.