Rising cases: Provincial Ombudsman wants regional offices in merged districts

PESHAWAR: Provincial Ombudsman Syed Jamaluddin Din Shah said on Wednesday the rising cases from the tribal districts called for establishing regional offices there to facilitate the people.

He said this during the monthly review meeting, said a communication.Various items such as the role of the Implementation Wing of the Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat was discussed for taking all pending cases and having them disposed of.

The common nature of complaints against departments was analysed. It was noted that most cases related to maladministration, violation of merit, delays in pension payments at the university level, as well as violations of the disabled persons quota.

All such cases were meticulously dealt with with according to the laws and decisions were taken under the Ombudsman Act.The provincial ombudsman expressed satisfaction with the increase in cases and the timely disposal of complaints by the investigation officers of the secretariat.

He added that the awareness raising campaign played a pivotal role in convincing the people to approach the Ombudsman secretariat for addressal of the cases.The provincial ombudsman urged the staff to keep a focus on responsibilities, urging them to work diligently to provide timely relief to complainants in redressing their grievances.

Regarding the districts of ex-FATA, it was noted that the majority of cases were being filed from Khyber district, Kurram, and other areas.

“Given that most merged districts are far-flung, there is a need to set up a few regional offices in these merged districts. A case will be to be taken up with the provincial government for the opening of regional offices on a priority basis”, remarked Jamal Shah.

It was also decided to carry out groundwork for the restoration of the original Act of 2010.The Media Cell was tasked with holding different interviews on TV channels and radio to highlight the role of the Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat.

The Implementation Section will prepare a detailed report on the implementation of cases, and the report will be shared with the provincial government, including the chief minister and the chief secretary.The provincial ombudsman appreciated the successful arrangement of training workshops for investigation officers and the role of regional deputy registrars.