Breaking from tradition, the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Lakki Marwat, Hameed Ullah Khan, began his first day with surprise field visits to public facilities and markets on Tuesday.

From day one, the district’s top officer sent a clear message: good governance doesn’t reside behind desks, it happens on the ground.

He visited the District Headquarters Hospital early Tuesday morning, without an official entourage or media presence. During the inspection, he toured the Outpatient Department (OPD), various wards, and the radiology unit, engaging directly with patients to inquire about services.

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Hospital sources reported that the DC expressed concern over cleanliness issues and irregular staff attendance. He directed hospital management to ensure immediate improvements. He also inspected an under-construction building on the hospital premises and requested a progress report.

Later, the DC visited the city’s main market, where he personally checked price lists displayed at shops and engaged directly with shopkeepers and street vendors.

“I’ve requested all vendors to voluntarily remove encroachments,” he said. “This is the first phase, the second phase will involve action.”

His approachable and engaged presence made a strong impression on the local business community.

“He introduced himself to every shopkeeper as though he weren’t a government officer, but a neighbour,” said one surprised vendor.

“You can’t understand the real issues by sitting in an air-conditioned room,” he said. “There will be zero tolerance for negligence. Every officer must treat their duty as a responsibility,” he remarked.

“We’ve never seen a DC walking through the market and talking to us directly,” said a shopkeeper. “It gives us hope.”

The DC's proactive start has raised expectations in the district. Whether this approach will continue as a model for sustained governance remains to be seen.