International Symposium on Ombudsmanship and the Citizen’s Rights shall be held soon at Islamabad.

  • New offices at AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan to be opened.
  • A record number of 127.000 complaints have been resolved as of today.

Islamabad, August 20, 2024: Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, Wafaqi Mohtasib speaking with the Media Persons, in an informal meeting, stated that the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) in cooperation with the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat is organizing soon an international symposium on the Citizen’s Rights at Islamabad. This major international activity will bring together heads of Ombudsman Institutions from Asia, the Islamic world and representatives of other regional and international Ombuds bodies. The UN Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly have also been invited to this symposium. The theme of the symposium involves meaningful discussion on measures to enhance the capacity of the Ombuds institutions worldwide and shall highlight the role of Ombudsmanship in realising the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. This will also be an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and touristic attractions to the international participants.

Mr. Qureshi added that new offices are being established soon in AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan. This will ensure presence of this Office in 24 cities and shall enable the general public to fully avail its services closer to their homes. Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi stated that over 132,000 cases were received till yesterday, out of which 127,000 cases have already been resolved. During the current year the investigation officers visited remote areas and resolved 2210 complaints on the spot. This measure greatly enhanced the outreach and accessibility of this office and ensured free and expeditious relief to the general public. He further added that the heads of federal agencies have been duly instructed to address the grievances of the poor and marginalised segments of society and take necessary steps to follow high standards of efficiency and propriety in the discharge of their official duties. Wafaqi Mohtasib further stated that his officers are working hard within the given resources. Their commitment to provide selfless services to the general public has certainly contributed in addressing the complaints in large numbers. During 2023 the number of complaints have been increased to 194,990 which reflected confidence of the people in the performance of this Office. Initiatives including Informal Resolution of Disputes (IRD) and inspection of various public sector agencies has further contributed in providing much needed relief to the general public.

Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi invited the media persons to extend full support in raising awareness about the role, scope of work and activities of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Institution so that the larger number of people can get free and expeditious relief from this poor man’s court.