In a significant move, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has selected Ms. Ambreen Jan, the current Director General of the External Publicity Wing, to assume the esteemed role of Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting. The formal announcement of her appointment is anticipated soon, as Ms. Shaheera Shahid, the outgoing Federal Secretary, reaches superannuation today.
Ambreen Jan Role in Ministry:
Ms. Ambreen Jan’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, reflecting the government’s confidence in her abilities to lead and manage the country’s information landscape. A senior government official from the Prime Minister’s House confirmed the news to The Islamabad Telegraph, highlighting the decision’s significance and the Prime Minister’s active involvement in selecting the best candidate for the position.
The selection process, as reported, involved a thorough interview panel led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the participation of Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Attaullah Tarar. The panel reviewed several contenders for the position, ultimately deciding that Ms. Ambreen Jan was the most suitable candidate to lead the ministry forward. This decision underscores the government’s emphasis on experienced and capable leadership in managing the country’s information and public relations.
Harmony Amidst Chaos: A Tale of Shelter, Unity, and Redemption in Pakistan’s Jaranwala City
Ms. Ambreen Jan is widely recognized for her dedication and effectiveness in her previous roles, notably during her tenure as Director General of the External Publicity Wing. Her work has been particularly commendable in handling sensitive situations that required a balanced and accurate portrayal of events to the international community. One of the most notable instances of her adept management was during the Jaranwala attack on Christians in August 2023. At a time when the international media was poised to cast a negative light on Pakistan, Ms. Ambreen took proactive measures to ensure that the truth was accurately reported.
Ambreen Jan to be new federal information secretary
Ambreen Jan & Jaranwala Inident:
In response to the Jaranwala incident, Ms. Ambreen orchestrated a strategic media engagement, bringing Pakistan-based correspondents from leading international publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, China Daily, BBC, and several European outlets, to the site of the incident. This initiative was instrumental in presenting a comprehensive view of the events and the government’s response. Her efforts ensured that the international media received firsthand information, allowing for a balanced portrayal of the situation. This not only countered potential negative narratives but also highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing and managing the situation responsibly.
The success of Ms. Ambreen’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Higher government authorities lauded her for her swift and effective management of the media, recognizing her as a key figure in shaping the narrative and maintaining the country’s image on the international stage. Her role in this context demonstrated her ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy and strategic foresight, qualities essential for her new role as Federal Secretary.
Support for Ms. Ambreen’s appointment also came from within the ministry. Sources indicate that Minister Attaullah Tarar was a strong proponent of having an officer from the Information Group (IG) head the ministry, emphasizing the importance of internal expertise and experience in managing the country’s information strategy. Ms. Ambreen Jan, known for her hard work and popularity among ministry employees and officers, was seen as an ideal choice to lead the ministry during this critical period.
As Ms. Shaheera Shahid steps down, Ms. Ambreen Jan is set to take on her new responsibilities starting tomorrow. The official notification of her appointment is expected to be issued today, confirming her role as the new Federal Secretary for Information and Broadcasting. Currently a senior Grade-21 officer, Ms. Ambreen will initially serve as the secretary in-charge, with potential promotion to Grade-22 anticipated in the next meeting of the High Powered Board (HPB) scheduled for next month.
Ms. Ambreen Jan’s appointment is not just a personal achievement but also a significant milestone for the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Her proven track record, combined with her strategic acumen and dedication to public service, positions her as a formidable leader capable of steering the ministry through the challenges ahead. Her leadership is expected to continue fostering transparency, accuracy, and professionalism in the country’s information and media sectors.
In a time where accurate and responsible information dissemination is crucial, Ms. Ambreen Jan’s new role will be pivotal in shaping the public discourse and international perception of Pakistan. Her appointment is a testament to the trust and confidence placed in her abilities by the highest levels of government, and it sets a positive precedent for the ministry’s future endeavors