Ombudsman for resolution of AJK residents' complaints

MUZAFFARABAD:

Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi on Wednesday urged the heads of federal agencies in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to prioritize the swift resolution of public complaints in the region.

He issued the directive during the inaugural ceremony of the Wafaqi Mohtasib's regional office in Muzaffarabad, the capital city of AJK.

Qureshi highlighted the office's active outreach to the public, noting it has led to an increasing number of citizens seeking assistance to resolve their grievances.

He also reported that 2024 had seen a record surge in both the receipt and disposal of complaints. According to Qureshi, his office received 226,372 complaints last year, of which 223,171 were resolved. This marks a 17 per cent increase in the number of complaints received and a 16 per cent increase in the number of complaints resolved compared to 2023.

"Our investigating officers traveled across the country, holding Khuli Katcheries (open courts) to ensure administrative justice reached people's doorsteps," Qureshi said, adding that his office was truly a "court for the common man."

Qureshi further announced that with the opening of regional offices in Muzaffarabad and Gilgit, the institution's presence had expanded to 24 cities nationwide. He added more regional offices are expected to open later this year.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior AJK officials, heads of federal agencies, civil society representatives and members of the media.

In a press conference at Press and Information Department PID, Qureshi praised the media for its vital role in raising public awareness about the forum and its effectiveness in swiftly addressing complaints. He urged the media to continue supporting the institution in spreading awareness for the greater good of the public.