Islamabad: February 18, 2025 – A delegation from the Associated Press of Pakistan Corporation (APPC) visited the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s Secretariat here today.  This visit was part of the institution’s efforts to raise awareness about scope of its work and the services provided to the general public.

Welcoming the visiting APP delegation, Secretary Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat, Syed Asif Shah said that the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s institution considers the media fraternity as one of the important stakeholder which can effectively disseminate its message regarding availability of this forum to the general public. The Advisor (Appraisal), Advisor (Implementation) and Advisor (Media), WMS were also present on the occasion. The APPC delegation included Mr. Rab Nawaz Bajwa, Director, VNS and Mr. Abdul Qudous, Chief Editor, VNS.

The visiting delegation was briefed by a team of senior officers of the Secretariat.  The APP delegation comprising a group of professional reporters was informed that the office has emerged as the premier agency of administrative accountability, providing relief to millions of people in the country. It was added that in 2024, the Office received and processed a record number of public complaints totaling 226,373, out of which 223,198 were disposed of showing an increase 17% and 16% in the receipt and disposal of complaints respectively over the figurers 2023. In financial terms, the office provided a relief equivalent to Rs.8.22 billion to the people during 2024.

Furthermore, owing to various initiatives like the Outreach Complaint Resolution (OCR), Information Resolution of Disputes (IRD), Inspection Visits etc., the institution has been able to dispense administrative relief at the doorsteps of the complainants. Similarly, greater use of technology has remarkably enhanced the institution’s accessibility. During 2024, nearly 63,980 complaints were lodged on line reflecting a growing trend to use digital platforms. The APP delegation was briefed that another landmark achievement of the institution during the year 2024 related to effective implementation of its Findings/decisions, which comes to 93.21% as against 85.70% achieved during 2023.It was added that this office has presence in 24 major cities including the Headquarters at Islamabad, covering almost the entire length and breadth of the country including Gilgit-Baltistan and AJ&K.

Touching on the international linkages of the institution, it was stated that Wafaqi Mohtasib is an active member of the International Ombudsman Institution (IOI) and currently holds the post of President of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA). Wafaqi Mohtasib’s unanimous election by the 47-member strong professional body of ombudsman in the region has brought a distinct honor to the country.

The briefing was followed by a lively question/answer session. The members of the delegation evinced a keen interest in the working and operations of the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat and its Regional Offices. Lauding its role, they expressed the confidence that addressing maladministration would ultimately help pave the way for good governance and rule of law in the country.