SALMAN Farooqui, after assuming the additional charge of office of Federal Ombudsman, took strategic decisions to activate this important statutory body to clear a backlog of 75,000 complaints and grievances regarding malpractices in government agencies.

Qualifed persons were invited to indicate interest for the positions of advisers, consultants and investigation officers by Dec 29 last.

Shortlisted candidates were invited to the Ombudsman’s Secretariat for an interview.

According to press reports, Imtiaz Kazi, retired ombudsman secretary, has been appointed principal adviser and given additional charge of the ombudsman secretary.

A retired judge of the Peshawar High Court has also been appointed adviser.

There is no other information available about appointments in the Ombudsman’s Secretariat.

The process of appointments as advisers, consultants and investigation officers should have been completed by now, but these appointments are not being shared with stakeholders.

This has created misgivings in the minds of qualified candidates.

It is advised that all appointments in the Ombudsman’s Secretariat may be posted on the official website of the Ombudsman for the information of public and for meeting the criteria of transparency.

ASGHAR MAHMOOD Islamabad