KARACHI, April 2: Wafaqi Mohtasib Javed Sadiq Malik has delegated powers to the heads of eight regional offices to enforce attendance of absentee officials of various federal agencies during investigation hearings.

These powers, delegated under Article 14(3) of President's Order No 1 0f 1983, are similar to those of a civil court and envisages actions like issuing of summons, warrants as well as attachment of property to enforce attendance of such officers.

The Wafaqi Mohtasib had taken a strong notice of continued absence of delinquent officials in hearings conducted by the investigation officers of the office of Wafaqi Mohtasib despite warnings to appear in these hearings.

The Mohtasib had noticed that such absenteeism had been hindering provision of speedy relief to people and this step had been taken with a view to minimize delays in the redressal of public grievances and to ensure accountability of public servants.

The delegation of powers is not general in nature but is restricted to specified cases and to identify personnel who have either not been appearing over the course of personal hearings or have not produced the documents necessary to finalize cases of complainants

This action of Wafaqi Mohtasib has been described as unprecedented because it is for the first time that these powers have been given under the law to ensure prompt response from the government agencies to public complaints.—APP