Ombudsman’s Office Resolves Over 223,000 Complaints in 2024
News Desk
Abbottabad: Federal Ombudsman Ijaz Ahmad Qureshi announced that over 223,000 complaints were resolved in 2024, highlighting the institution’s swift and effective actions with an impressive 93.21 percent implementation rate.
He made these remarks during his visit to the Ombudsman’s regional office in Abbottabad, where he met with heads of federal departments and local media members.
Qureshi referred to the Ombudsman’s Secretariat as a “court for the poor,” emphasizing its commitment to ensuring justice for underprivileged and marginalized communities across Pakistan. He urged government officials to prioritize the enforcement of Ombudsman decisions, ensuring immediate relief for complainants.
“In 2024, we received 226,372 complaints and resolved 223,198 of them. This record-breaking achievement is a testament to our dedication to public service,” Qureshi said.
He also discussed various outreach initiatives, such as the 126 open courts held across the country to deliver justice at the grassroots level. As part of the Outreach Complaint Handling and Resolution (OCHR) program, 171 visits were conducted, resolving 4,840 complaints on-site. Additionally, 79 inspections of federal departments were carried out to enhance governance and service delivery.
Qureshi revealed plans to expand the Ombudsman’s network with new regional offices in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Sahiwal, bringing the total operational cities to 25. A new office is also set to open in Dera Ghazi Khan.
The Ombudsman has also made filing complaints more accessible through digital platforms such as Zoom, WhatsApp, and other IT tools, making it easier for citizens to register complaints and participate in hearings.
Furthermore, special complaint commissioners have been appointed to address issues related to overseas Pakistanis and children, and efforts are underway to improve facilities for prisoners across the country.
Concluding his visit, Ijaz Ahmad Qureshi reiterated that the Ombudsman’s office serves as a beacon of hope for citizens. “We are committed to delivering justice right at the doorstep of the people, especially those who cannot access it through traditional means,” he said.
