Federal Ombudsman resolves 32k complaints

Respondents avoiding proper replies on pretext of closure of offices

ISLAMABAD: People have filed 34,500 complaints with the office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib or Federal Ombudsman and of these 32,000 have been disposed, said a press release on Friday.

The Wafaqi Mohtasib or Federal Ombudsman has disposed of more than 7,000 complaints and also registered 5,248 cases during the just ended month of Ramazan.

This was informed during a meeting of the investigating and senior officers of Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat (WMS) said a press release on Friday. The meeting chaired by Wafaqi Mohtasib Syed Tahir Shahbaz was attended by all investigating and senior officers, Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretary Dr Jamal Nasir and other senior officers.

He directed the investigation officers to decide every case within the time limit of 60 days. Officials while briefing Shahbaz said during the lockdown period, people have filed 34,500 complaints with the office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib and of these 32,000 have been disposed of.

Shahbaz asked all the Investigation Officers to facilitate the complainants in all respects by observing complete safety measures against coronavirus epidemic.

He was informed that due to closure of universities and lack of interest by the gas and electricity distribution companies during coronavirus pandemic, proper replies are not being submitted due to which some cases have been affected the time limit.

The federal ombudsman took a serious note on delay in submission of replies and asked the WMS secretary to call in person the heads of departments immediately over delay in submission of departmental reports.

He said that presence of complainant during hearing proceedings is not essential and their point of view may be taken through telephone or by whatsapp, however, if any complainant insists to join the hearing proceeding, safety measures must be ensured in all respects. The officers informed on the occasion that registration of complaints and investigation work has been continued by keeping all safety measures.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 30^th, 2020.