Text away: Swat launches mobile complaint system

Problems can be shared with DC by sending a text on 8333

MINGORA: Following in the footsteps of Peshawar district, Swat has also launched a complaint system – locals can just text 8333 and their problems will reach the deputy commissioner.

According to a press release issued on Tuesday, the system will help people send their complaints to the deputy commissioner through text messages. The deputy commissioner is bound to resolve their issues within three days.

“Each officer must ensure proper solution of genuine complaints so they can be addressed on a priority basis,” the press release quoted Swat DC Mehmood Aslam Wazir as saying at a meeting with heads of district departments, including assistant commissioners from all seven tehsils in Swat.



The DC also warned of punishment for those send false complaints. “Not only will mobile numbers of false complainants be blocked by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority but legal action will also be taken against them,” added the DC. “This condition will minimise the number of false complaints.”

Wazir added the complaint service is an initiative towards good governance. Locals also appreciated the step and said the system would help them register complaints without having to personally go to the DC’s office.

“It has always been a hassle for the public to go to the DC’s office and get their complaints heard,” said Khan Zeb, an activist.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 13^th, 2015.