A Seminar on “Public Awareness and Launch of New Website and Mobile App” held on 02.05.2019 at Aiwan-e-Sadr.;

A Seminar on “Public Awareness and Launch of  New Website and Mobile App” was organised by Wafaqi Mohtasib(Federal Ombudsman Pakistan) Secretariat on 02.05.2019 at Aiwan-e-Sadr. The objective of the event was to increase outreach of the ombudsman Institution for the benefits of general public.  President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi , while addressing the seminar, said that only those nations could achieve success, which stood against the oppression and injustices in the society, particularly against their destitute people. The Presentpresident urged the people and media to highlight the positive image of the country instead of demeaning and degrading it.

 Speaking to high performance of the Federal Ombudsman Institute, the president said the disposal of 99 percent cases within 60 days period was a remarkable achievement. The implementation ratio of 95 percent of Federal Ombudsman’s decisions was also laudable. He told the audience that less than one percent of the representations were made to the president against the Ombudsman’s decisions which he disposed of within a day.


The president who earlier launched an interactive and mobile-friendly version of the Ombudsman’s website and a mobile application to enhance its outreach, said the number of applicants could touch even a million mark if they were made aware of the functioning of the office.

President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi inaugurated  interactive and mobile-friendly version of the Ombudsman’s website and a mobile application by pressing a key on laptop

He said the justice was fundamental right of the people and advised the Ombudsman to use the tools of electronic, print and social media to enhance their outreach and highlight their decisions. He said amid a new phenomenon of fake news, there was a need for using the medium for positive gains. He said in coordination with Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the presidency would encourage the television channels dedicating their maximum airtime for social messaging.

In his welcome address, Federal Ombudsman Syed Tahir Shahbaz said the current year would be observed for public awareness. He said Wafaqi Mohtasib received above 70,000 complaints during year 2018 against various agencies. Twelve regional offices also performed to address public complaints at their offices besides visiting different districts and tehsils, he added. He said a media strategic group had been formed to highlight the achievements of the Mohtasib. He said the new website and mobile application would also make the filing and tracking of the applications easier.

In a presentation, Senior Advisor Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi said the role of Wafaqi Mohtasib was crucial amid the challenges of governance and overburdened courts. He said the Wafaqi Mohtasib catered to the public complaints against any agency with even one percent share of the government that had widened its scope of functioning. He said as per law, the Mohtasib disposed of a case within 60 days and appeal within 45 days. He said under an integrated complaints system, the public complaints pending with the agencies were automatically transferred to the Ombudsman if it remained unresolved for 30 days. He also apprised the audience about the comprehensive reports compiled by the Mohtasib on various subjects of public interest including child abuse, state of prisoners besides setting up facilitation desk for overseas Pakistanis at airports and released Rs 44 million for destitute prisoners. Besides, he said a National Commissioner for Children had been appointed which would serve to protect children’s rights until a Children Mohtasib was formed to address the complaints of the children below 18 years.

President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, presenting a  shield to Former-Ombudsman, Mr. Justice(R) Usman Ali Shah

President, Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi, presenting a  shield to former-Ombudsman,Mr.  Imtiaz Ahmad Sahibzada

Earlier, the president presented shields to the two former Federal Ombudsmen Mr. Justice(Retd) Usman Ali Shah and Mr. Imtiaz Ahmad  Sahibzada and received a souvenir from Wafaqi Mohtasib Syed Tahir Shahbaz.

Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan Syed Tahir Shahbaz presenting souvenir to the President Islamic Republic of Pakistan,Dr. Arif Alvi.

For more coverage of Seminar please SEE HERE