Hamza Shafqaat, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad studied at Cadet College Hasan Abdal. He is alumnus of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI) from where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical engineering.
Matrix Special asked Hamza Shafqaat for the secret behind his popularity and success in the civil services and how has he managed to be different from other DC’s.
He told us that the reason behind his success is sheer hard work, empathy and integrity. He also gave credit to his Social Media media team, which he believes has made him accessible and connected with people not only from his own area of jurisdiction but also from other cities. He believes that since he has simply tried to solve problems faced by a common man, he has got very positive feedback from the general public. This is one of the many reasons for his popularity.
He takes pride in introducing digital solutions in many areas. E.g. the ICT has developed different applications for car registration online, paying car tokens online, getting housing societies verification done through an application developed especially for Islamabad and for ordering groceries at home, etc.
He also strongly believes in empowering females and has therefore been very supportive of women entrepreneurs. He shared that soon, women who are working from home will have market access since the administration is planning on providing them with a space to display their work every week. He said he is working on the idea of a female entrepreneurs bazaar in Islamabad soon.
Hamza Shafqaat qualified Central Superior Services exam in 2005. He joined Pakistan Administrative Service on June 29, 2006. After successful completion of training at Civil Services Academy Lahore, he was posted in Sindh where he served for three years as assistant commissioner in Larkana, Sukkur and Ghotki. He has also served as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad, Director, Islamabad Metropolitan Corporation, Deputy Secretary, Establishment Division during his career in civil service.
He got posted as DC, Islamabad in July 2018. Hamza Shafqaat was awarded achievement award in September 2020 for his outstanding performance, dedication and contributions during COVID-19 outbreak in Pakistan.
For more details, watch the interview.
