In a heart-warming initiative aimed at promoting social inclusion and raising awareness about thalassaemia, the district administration appointed a teenage girl living with the blood disorder as the honorary Deputy Commissioner of Attock for a day. Muniba Maqsood, a second-year student at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, was welcomed to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office along with her parents, where she symbolically assumed charge and experienced the workings of district administration firsthand.
Muniba Maqsood Takes Charge
Seated in the deputy commissioner’s chair, Muniba was briefed on various administrative functions and public service responsibilities, giving her an opportunity to gain insight into the management of district affairs. Expressing her delight, Muniba thanked Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza for the honour and said the experience had been both memorable and encouraging. Her parents also appreciated the gesture, describing it as a meaningful effort to make children living with chronic illnesses feel recognised and valued.
Deputy Commissioner’s Remarks on Inclusion
Speaking on the occasion, Rao Atif Raza said society had a collective responsibility to support and encourage children facing health challenges. “Children living with thalassaemia deserve equal opportunities, respect and inclusion. Initiatives such as these help strengthen their confidence and reinforce their role as active members of society,” he said.
Visit to Thalassaemia Centre
Earlier, the deputy commissioner visited the Thalassaemia Centre Attock, where he met children undergoing treatment and their families. During the visit, he distributed medicines among patients and reviewed the healthcare facilities available at the centre. Officials briefed him on treatment protocols, patient care arrangements and the challenges faced by families managing the lifelong condition. The deputy commissioner also listened to concerns raised by parents and assured them that the district administration would continue supporting efforts aimed at improving healthcare services for thalassaemia patients.
Commitment to Healthcare Improvement
He directed the relevant health authorities to remain attentive to the needs of affected children and emphasised the importance of ensuring uninterrupted treatment and care. The visit was attended by Director of the League of Human Welfare and In-charge of the Thalassaemia Centre, Dr Maqsood Elahi; Medical Superintendent of District Headquarters Hospital Attock, Dr Jawad Elahi; Principal of the College of Nursing Attock, Naveeda Iqbal; and other officials. In recognition of his support for welfare initiatives, the centre’s administration presented commemorative shields to the deputy commissioner and acknowledged the district administration’s efforts to assist patients and their families.
