Resolving overseas Pakistanis’ issues a priority: ombudsman

Salman Farooqi chairs meeting of 30 government departments on issue

ISLAMABAD: All-out efforts would be made to resolve the issues of overseas Pakistanis on a priority basis. They are the backbone of the country and they represent the face of the country abroad.

This was stated by Federal Ombudsman Salman Farooqi while chairing a meeting on issues of Overseas Pakistanis at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat on Wednesday. Representatives of over 30 federal government departments attended the meeting.

Grievance Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis Hafiz Ahsaan Ahad Khokhar presented information on how the federal ombudsman office works. He also highlighted future plans to address issues of overseas Pakistanis.

In his presentation, Khokhar stated that nearly 7.5 million Pakistanis were living in 124 countries around the world. He added that the federal ombudsman has decided 152,000 complaints in two years and there is no complaint pending for more than 60 days.

He elaborated upon initiatives taken including a website for handling overseas Pakistanis complaints at the secretariat that have also been connected with the relevant government departments. He further said that an online complaint resolution mechanism has been established in relevant government departments for overseas Pakistanis.

Farooqi highlighted the struggle and contributions of overseas Pakistanis living in different countries. He stressed that the government agencies must resolve their issues on a priority basis. The office of Wafaqi Mohtasib, he added, would be available for the people of Pakistan and for overseas Pakistanis. It will address their issues related to maladministration of government officials.

Khokhar also mentioned that for the betterment of overseas Pakistanis, focal persons have been appointed for the services and complaints resolution. This initiative was taken for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis in 92 Pakistani embassies abroad.

He added that the Foreign Office had been advised to make arrangements to hear complaints through video links in secretariats with Pakistan Missions.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2015.