• WAFAQI MOHTASIB’S INSPECTION TEAM VISITS BISP,
• TAKES SERIOUS NOTICE OF IRREGULARITIES IN DISBURSEMENT OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE,
• SUGGESTS TRANSFER OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE DIRECTLY INTO BANK ACCOUNTS OF BENEFICIARIES

Islamabad: 08 August, 2025 – An Inspection Team from the Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) Secretariat headed by a Senior Advisor, Mr. Ahmad Farooq, which visited the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Head Office here today to look into a large number of complaints regarding irregularities there, submitted its preliminary Report to the Wafaqi Mohtasib.

The Inspection Team asked the BISP Administration to examine the possibility of transferring the amount of financial assistance directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. It also instructed to conduct a thorough probe into the allegations of corruption levelled by some of the beneficiaries against certain officials of the organization. The Team also directed that the women, who have been declared ineligible for grant of assistance, may be intimated in writing of the reasons which would spare   them of the hassle of visiting the office repeatedly.

The Inspection Team also interacted with the women present there. Some of them complained that they have been made to visit the office repeatedly and a certain amount was often deducted unfairly from the prescribed grant. Likewise, the women considered ineligible for the grant of assistance, have not been informed of the reasons in clear terms. ‘The Administration rather collects their CNICs from them and put on these future dates in indelible ink, which rendered them spoiled and unsuitable for future use’, they disclosed.

Earlier, the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s team was briefed on various ongoing projects by the BISP Administration. It was informed that the basic purpose of the Programme was to help the persons and families living below the poverty line and the organization was presently disbursing financial relief to more than 10 million deserving families in addition to making arrangements for the education and brought up of children including provision of healthy food for the new born.

The Office of the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, in partnership with the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Sindh, hosted a high-impact awareness seminar on 24th July 2025 aimed at enhancing citizen engagement, improving access to justice, and fostering collaborative humanitarian action.

In his presidential address, Mr. Mohammad Sohail Rajput, Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, highlighted the urgent need to bridge the gap between institutions and the public. “Out of a population of 55.5 million, only 9,000 complaints have been filed – an indication of limited public awareness and institutional trust,” he noted. Impressively, over 6,700 of these complaints have already been resolved. Mr. Rajput also outlined a series of forward-looking reforms, including the digitization of the complaint redressal mechanism, the launch of a bilingual mobile application, and an upcoming Memorandum of Understanding with PRCS Sindh to strengthen joint efforts in public service delivery and disaster response.

Mr. Rehan Hashmi, Chairman, PRCS Sindh, praised the Ombudsman’s leadership and emphasized the critical role of outreach in enabling citizens to access free, timely, and impartial justice.

Insightful presentations were delivered by Mr. Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, Director, Climate and Disaster Justice Unit, Ombudsman Sindh Secretariat; Mr. Masood Ishrat, Registrar, Ombudsman Sindh Secretariat; and Mr. Kanwar Waseem, Provincial Secretary, PRCS Sindh.

The seminar brought together provincial leadership and representatives from UN agencies, international NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), local support organizations (LSOs), civil society organizations (CSOs) and other humanitarian partners. Their active participation highlighted a growing momentum towards collaborative, citizen-centric governance and resilient public institutions.

This milestone event positions the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh as a regional model for innovation in ombudsmanship, emphasizing transparency, digital inclusion, and cross-sectoral cooperation to protect and empower citizens.

On 11 August 2025, at the initiative of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman), and in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Country Office in Uzbekistan, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, a two-day seminar on “Mechanisms to Combat Violence Against Women and Children in Social Networks” commenced.

The seminar is attended by experts from Latvia’s “Marta” Centre, staff of the Secretariat of the Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman), as well as representatives of non-governmental non-profit organizations and civil society institutions.

The relevance of the topic lies in the fact that, to properly identify cases of cyberviolence, provide legal and practical assistance to victims, and effectively organize inter-agency cooperation, the staff of the Ombudsman must possess modern knowledge and skills. This, in turn, will contribute to increasing legal awareness among the population and implementing international recommendations in practice.

According to the World Health Organization, one in ten women in the online space experiences some form of cyberviolence from the age of 15. Research by the European Institute for Gender Equality shows that cyberviolence can affect anyone; however, women and girls are more likely to become its main target. Such violence can cause serious harm to their physical and mental health and may also lead to financial difficulties.

Within the framework of the seminar, participants are receiving information on the types and forms of cyberviolence, manifestations of discrimination in the online space, as well as the distinctions between “freedom of expression” and discriminatory content. Through practical exercises, they will analyze real-life situations, explore methods of assisting victims, work with digital evidence, and study tools for the early detection and prevention of cyberviolence based on international experience.

On the instructions of Sabina Aliyeva, the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan (Ombudsman), visits were made to the Clinical Psychiatric Hospital No. 2 of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku Drug Center within the framework of the National Preventive Mechanism mandate and the activities of the Working Group in the field of “Mental health and human rights” under the Ombudsman.

The purpose of the monitoring organized on the basis of the Optional Protocol of the UN Convention against “Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment”, the Constitutional Law “On Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, and the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Psychiatric Assistance” was to investigate the treatment and conditions in these institutions, to study the issues of ensuring patients’ rights and the condition of the services provided.

It was determined that both inpatient and outpatient treatment was carried out in the Clinical Psychiatric Hospital No. 2, some deficiencies that existed during previous visits to the institution were eliminated, new employees were appointed to the vacant positions, and renovation works were carried out a few months ago. Recommendations were made in the direction of improving living conditions, documentation work and strengthening control in this area, taking patients out for more outdoor walks.

At the same time, it was determined that only outpatient treatment measures were taken in the Baku Drug Center operating on the first floor of the residential building. It has been observed that both the number of physicians is low and the size of the facility is small.

It should be noted that although it is stated that both enterprises are supposed to be moved to new, more spacious buildings, it is very important to speed up this matter.

At the end of the visits, a legal educational conversation was held with the management and employees of the institutions, legal educational publications of the Ombudsman’s Office and information boards related to the “916” Call Center were presented.

The Ministry of Health will be addressed in order to eliminate the deficiencies identified during the visit.

The head of the General Inspection Organization of Iran (GIO), Dr. Khodaeiyan, stressed the need for more precise and impactful inspections, emphasizing unannounced visits to executive and service agencies, monitoring the supply chain of essential goods, and addressing energy imbalances as top priorities. Speaking at a national meeting of senior GIO managers, he said: “The current situation of the country requires inspections to be more field-oriented than ever before. Our mission is to prevent corruption, remove bottlenecks, and institutionalize transparency across governance.” Dr. Khodaeiyan recalled the organization’s active role during the 12-day imposed war, when inspectors were present in hospitals, markets, and service centers, preventing problems through direct supervision. He also underlined the importance of timely and hopeful communication with the public, calling for swift handling of complaints received via the 136 hotline. “Responding promptly to citizens’ demands strengthens the nation’s social capital,” he noted. Highlighting the fight against corruption, Khodaeiyan announced that a Transparency Festival will be held as part of the Judiciary’s Transformation and Excellence Document. He also reaffirmed strict enforcement of laws, including the ban on one person serving on multiple boards of directors, and prohibiting government employees from joining private company boards.

The GIO chief further stressed continuous oversight of key laws such as the Population Youthfulness Law, business licensing reforms, and consumption pattern corrections. He warned that inspectors must not allow mismanagement or negligence to open the way for corruption. Addressing the Seventh Development Plan, he said the organization will monitor its implementation actively to ensure it avoids the shortcomings of previous plans. He also linked the Year’s slogan to supporting production and investment, calling for the Investment Headquarters for Production to hold active sessions and supervise decisions. On the subject of cognitive warfare, Khodaeiyan noted: “Today, cyberspace, media, social networks, and artificial intelligence have replaced traditional battlefields. The enemy distorts realities, magnifies weaknesses, and downplays achievements to create despair. The solution is the jihad of clarification: accurate, hopeful, and timely communication by all institutions.”

At the start of the meeting, Dr. Ali Hadi, Deputy for Strategic Affairs, presented a progress report on the GIO’s 2024–2025 programs.

Commissioner for Human Rights held a meeting on the work of rehabilitation units for convicts suffering from addiction to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. This is a very serious issue, both for the correctional system and for society as a whole.

She discussed performance indicators of existing rehabilitation programmes and staffing. Considered the possibility of organizing a rehabilitation unit on the basis of another correctional colony.

I believe it is important that such initiatives are supported and further developed. The work of rehabilitation units is a chance for real change of a person’s fate, to return to a healthy and decent way of life.

We plan to prepare a video with the participation of the convicted persons undergoing rehabilitation. They will share how participating in the program changes their perception of themselves, others and life in general.

As part of the “Social Mediation” project supported by the Turkish National Agency and coordinated by the METU Alumni Association, on 6 August 2025, young participants visited the Ombudsman Institution.

During the visit, Ombudsman Abdullah Cengiz Makas met with the youth and shared his insights on the role of the ombudsman in promoting public mediation, rule of law, justice and a culture of social reconciliation. In his speech, Ombudsman Mr. Makas emphasized that the youth are always welcome at the Ombudsman Institution.

Experts from the Ombudsman Institution also provided participants with comprehensive information on the concept and historical development of the ombudsman, the functioning of the Institution and its work in the field of public mediation.

– Receive and counsel grievance on site, from July 28 (Mon.) to July 29 (Tue.), at the Integrated Support Center for Victims in Gyeongsangnam-do province and the Sancheong-gun refugee shelter

Grievance counseling windows will be set up near the rain-caused damaged region in order to solve the difficulties of residents affected by extreme heavy rains.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) plans to listen to the grievances on site, from residents suffering from torrential rains. The commission plans to conduct on-site grievance counseling at the Integrated Support Center for Victims in Gyeongsangnam-do Province at the Sancheong-gun Administrative Welfare Center and the refugee shelter in Saengbiryang-myeon, Sancheong-gun for two days from today (Jul. 28) to quickly support for recovery.

Residents can consult with the investigator of the Commission at the On-Site Outreach Program which is prepared at the grievance counseling window of the Integrated Support Center and the refugee shelter for various inconveniences and difficulties in the process of recovering from the damage.

Complaints that require additional investigation will be received and treated as grievance by the ACRC. The commission will come up with proposal and recommend institutional improvement to relevant government institutions with regards to any unreasonable institutions or laws that cause difficulties for residents to recover their daily lives.

Chairperson Ryu said, “I hope this on-site consultation to serve as an opportunity for residents who have lost their homes due to heavy downpours to overcome difficulties and return to their daily lives,” adding, “The ACRC will listen to the voices of the victims and put efforts to address grievances in an agile manner.”

The opening ceremony of the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (“HKIOA”), along with a seminar themed “Nurturing a Positive Complaint Culture through Mediation”, was held at the Hong Kong Productivity Council today (25 August).

The ceremony was officiated by the Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Chairman of the Legislative Council House Committee, Dr Starry Lee; and the Director-General of the Department of Law of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (“HKSAR”), Mr Liu Chunhua.

In his speech, Mr Chan Kwok-ki stressed the HKSAR Government’s endorsement and support for the founding vision of the HKIOA, which not only offers training to government departments and public organisations to enhance public administration, but also serves as an exchange platform with ombudsman institutions worldwide in line with the policy objectives of the current-term Government.  Mediation was highlighted as a strategy for dispute resolution, with its growing prominence in fostering a more harmonious and stable society.  He also acknowledged the Office of The Ombudsman (“Office”)’s contributions to promoting excellence in public administration, and encouraged all public officers to embrace a positive complaint culture and contribute to the collective efforts of building a better Hong Kong.

In his welcoming remarks, Mr Jack Chan applauded the establishment of the HKIOA as a new chapter in the Office’s efforts to promote good public administration. The initiative aims to create an interactive platform that fosters both internal and external exchange through seminars and workshops, etc. The HKIOA is also positioned to deepen and advance the Office’s three strategic focuses: (1) enhancing mediation to resolve public complaints efficiently for win-win results; (2) vigorously fostering inter-departmental collaboration; and (3) promoting a positive complaint culture, which are pursued in response to the motherland’s expectations of the HKSAR to stay bold in reform, dare to break new ground, and innovate continuously.  The Office has leveraged its internal resources to establish the HKIOA, without seeking additional funding from the Government.  All functions are undertaken by existing staff concurrently with their regular duties, showcasing a new approach for “implementing new initiatives without requiring extra manpower”.  Expressing his gratitude to the Chief Executive for supporting and recognising the Office’s work, to the Chief Secretary for Administration for officiating at the opening ceremony, as well as to government departments and public organisations for their cooperation over the years, Mr Jack Chan appealed to all to support the HKIOA’s development, join forces to strengthen the management and efficiency of public services, and demonstrate the will and commitment to promote good governance.

The seminar themed “Nurturing a Positive Complaint Culture through Mediation” was hosted by Assistant Ombudsman, Mr Kenny Tang.  Guest speakers included Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) Miss Winnie Chui; Deputy Commissioner for Transport/Transport Services and Management Ms Candy Kwok; Deputy Director of Housing (Estate Management) Mr Michael Hong; and two advisers from the Office.  They shared insights and discussed the application of mediation in complaint handling, covering mediation techniques, practical experiences and forward-looking ideas.  Over 250 participants attended the seminar, including Legislative Council members and representatives from nearly 100 government departments and public organisations. Valuable perspectives and experiences were actively shared among them in the question-and-answer session.

As the seminar drew to a close, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, offered a thought-provoking summary in his keynote speech.  The whole event concluded with a group photo, featuring Mr Jack Chan, Dr Cheung and other distinguished guests.

The Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights (Ombudsman) received appeals from citizens regarding certain officials who neglected their official duties.

A resident of Fergana region, citizen S.Kh., after serving his sentence, applied to the Fergana district probation department to obtain information on his removal from probation control and the absence of restrictions on travelling abroad. However, due to the refusal of an official to accept his application, the citizen’s constitutional rights to appeal and to leave the country were restricted.

The Ombudsman’s regional representative in Fergana region reviewed this case with the participation of employees of the regional and district departments of internal affairs’ probation unit. As a result, probation inspector Major B.M. was subjected to disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand. In addition, citizen S.Kh. was officially provided with information confirming his removal from probation control and the absence of restrictions on travelling abroad.

In the city of Zarafshan, Navoi region, citizen M.P. submitted an appeal stating that, while being registered on the “D” list, he was not provided with medical examinations for several months by his family doctor, nor was he supplied with the necessary medicines.

This case was reviewed by the Ombudsman’s regional representative in Navoi region together with the regional health department, and assistance was provided in restoring the citizen’s right to access medical services. At present, another responsible specialist has been assigned to the applicant, and he has been provided with the necessary medicines.

In Karmana district of Navoi region, citizen N.M. appealed that his child had broken an arm in a kindergarten and that the institution’s staff took him to a traditional healer instead of a hospital.

This appeal was reviewed in accordance with the law by the Karmana district Department of Internal Affairs, and a service investigation was initiated. According to its conclusion, for negligence concerning the safety of the child, the employment contract with teacher G.J. was terminated, and the assistant teacher U.U. was subjected to disciplinary action in the form of a reprimand.