PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ombudsperson Syed Jamaluddin Shah has said the role of provincial ombudsman is being extended to other divisional headquarters in order to rectify and redress any injustice being meted out to common people.

Chairing a monthly review meeting here, Mr Shah directed that staff of Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat, particularly investigation officers, should work with dedication for speedy disposal of complaints to provide relief to the complainants.

He also directed the staff and all dealing officers to create friendly environment to build public trust.

The provincial ombudsman impressed upon the dealing investigation officers to ensure prompt redressal of people’s grievances.

The meeting was informed that during 2022, a huge number of complaints were registered, which reflected on people’s confidence into the forum.

The participants were informed that thanks to launch of a public awareness campaign, the number of public complaints had increased.

Majority of complaints were received against elementary and secondary education and health departments, local government as well as against Peshawar Development Authority.

Most of the cases were decided and the agencies concerned implemented the findings of the provincial ombudsman.

On the occasion, Mr Shah directed that a circular be issued to all the administrative heads as well as divisional commissioners to nominate focal persons at their headquarters for dealing with and implementing the provincial ombudsman’s findings in order to facilitate the complainants. He said divisional ombudsman offices would be strengthened.

He also directed to evolve a mechanism to resume online cause-list and dispose of cases within specific period as per Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Provincial Ombudsman Act.

Published in Dawn, February 2nd, 2023