Ombudsman stresses need for speedy justice, public awareness campaigns

LAHORE: Punjab Ombudsman retired Maj. Azam Suleman Khan emphasized the importance of resolving public complaints, providing relief to citizens, and ensuring speedy justice for those in need.

He made these remarks while addressing a review meeting of consultants and an advisor from the southern Punjab districts at the regional office in Multan on Friday. During the meeting, district consultants and the advisor presented their office performance reports from January 1 to March 15 of this year.

The provincial ombudsman stressed the need to accelerate relief efforts and ensure that the rights of the people are protected. He also emphasized the importance of raising awareness among the public about the availability of the ombudsman office at the grassroots. In this regard, he suggested using seminars, public awareness campaigns, and the media to sensitize people about the free solutions available for addressing their grievances.

The ombudsman expressed satisfaction with the IT-based departmental reforms, including an online complaint lodging facility and the OPMIS bilingual mobile app, which have been introduced to lodge complaints against provincial government departments or delinquent government officials.

He also noted that the office of the chief provincial commissioner for children protects the rights of children, and expatriates can file online complaints relating to public sector departments through the official website. Furthermore, justice seekers can obtain legal advice and guidance by contacting the dedicated helpline 1050, and the redressal of the complaint is ensured within 45 days.

According to the ombudsman, the office’s efforts to protect the rights of the common man have contributed to achieving the goals of good governance. The resolution of people’s problems at their doorstep has strengthened their trust in government institutions, he mentioned.

Advisor (headquarters) Shafiq Hussain Bokhari, consultant Multan and Bahawalpur Zahid Qazi Ashfaq Ahmad, consultant Lodhran Rana Masood Akhtar, consultant Dera Ghazi Khan and Khanewal Hamidullah Khan, consultant Muzaffargarh and Layyah Muhammad Saleem, advisor Rahim Yar Khan and Rajanpur Maqbool Ahmad Majooka, and liaison coordinator Makhdoom Mubarak Ahmad attended the meeting.

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