Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi at a media briefing on Tuesday stated that the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) in cooperation with the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat was going to organize an international symposium on the Citizen’s Rights very soon in Islamabad and all the necessary preparations and homework have been carried out in this regard.
The major international activity will bring together heads of Ombudsman Institutions from Asia, the Islamic world and representatives of other regional and international Ombuds bodies, said Mr Qureshi adding the UN Secretary General and the President of the General Assembly were invited to the historic gathering.
Among the salient features of the symposium will be meaningful discussion on measures to enhance the capacity of the Ombudsman institutions worldwide and shall highlight the role of Ombudsmanship in realizing the goals and targets of the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. This will also be an opportunity to showcase Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage and tourist attractions to the international participants.
Apart from the international symposium Mr. Qureshi also briefed the media persons about the new offices being established in AJ&K and Gilgit Baltistan.
This will ensure presence of this Office in 24 cities and shall enable the general public to fully avail its services closer to their homes. Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi stated that over 132,000 cases were received till yesterday, out of which 127,000 cases have already been resolved.
During the current year the investigation officers visited remote areas and resolved 2210 complaints on the spot. This measure greatly enhanced the outreach and accessibility of this office and ensured free and expeditious relief to the general public. He further added that the heads of federal agencies have been duly instructed to address the grievances of the poor and marginalised segments of society and take necessary steps to follow high standards of efficiency and propriety in the discharge of their official duties.
