KP Ombudsman receives 2,400 complaints in one month

PESHAWAR: Provincial Ombudsman Secretariat received 2,400 complaints last month of which 1,654 were processed and notices issued as per procedure, while the remaining cases were assigned to various investigation officers for further inquiry.

This was stated at Friday’s monthly review meeting of the secretariat staff here. A press release said that KP Ombudsman Syed Jamaluddin Shah chaired the meeting.Secretary Ombudsman Jouhar Ali Shah and Director General Barkat Ullah Khan were present there along with other staff members.

Assistant Director Akhunzada Kamran provided a detailed presentation, highlighting key issues related to new case registrations during September.It was noted that the Implementation Wing of the Ombudsman Secretariat was working diligently to resolve pending cases following proper implementation by government departments.

The presentation indicated that the majority of complaints registered against various departments pertained to maladministration, including failure to follow proper laws and regulations, intentional delays, and violations of merit policies.

Most complaints were directed against the Health Department, Higher and Secondary Education Departments, universities, local government, police, and districts in merged districts.

Syed Jamaluddin Shah expressed satisfaction at the ratio of complaints received last month and the quick processing of cases within the timelines.He stated that all citizens should be facilitated without any discrimination and complaints addressed without any fear or fear.

The Ombudsman KP directed all investigation officers to handle all cases in accordance with the Ombudsman Act 2010, ensuring that the mandate of the secretariat was followed in letter and spirit and issues were resolved promptly.The ombudsman advised all investigation officers to resolve public grievances impartially, fairly, and equitably, without succumbing to any pressure.

He thanked the heads of provincial government departments for their cooperation in implementing Ombudsman orders.Syed Jamaluddin Shah commended the role of the Media Cell and regional offices in conducting successful awareness campaigns at various divisional and district levels.He noted that these activities had proven beneficial for local residents, encouraging them to approach regional offices to register their complaints.