In an enlightening and highly interactive lecture at the National Skills University (NSU) Islamabad, Mr. Ahmad Farooq, Honorable Senior Advisor at the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) ‘s Secretariat, captivated his audience with a profound discourse on the institution’s pivotal role in addressing issues of maladministration. This lecture was held in the NSU Main Auditorium, drawing students, faculty, and distinguished guests into a conversation on administrative accountability and governance.
Mr. Farooq, who also served as Secretary to the President of Pakistan, articulated the foundational principles and enduring significance of the Wafaqi Mohtasib. His lecture was complemented by a documentary that chronicles the institution’s remarkable journey, showcasing its contributions to Pakistan’s governance landscape and its emergence as a leader in administrative accountability.
The term’ ombudsman ‘ encapsulates a system of administrative accountability aimed at addressing maladministration and safeguarding human rights. This concept, deeply rooted in the Islamic governance model, was further institutionalized by the Swedish Parliamentary Ombudsman in 1809. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) underscores the sanctity of these principles globally. In Pakistan, the Wafaqi Mohtasib was established on January 24, 1983, to diagnose, investigate, and rectify injustices stemming from maladministration, thereby playing a crucial role in upholding human rights, and ensuring good governance.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice-Chancellor of NSU, lauded Wafaqi Mohtasib’s support in enhancing academic performance and governance. He praised Mr. Farooq’s highly interactive lecture, noting that such facilitation is crucial for Pakistan’s pursuit of excellence in digitalization. Furthermore, he said that Mr. Ahmad Farooq’s lecture at NSU illuminated the Ombudsman office’s achievements and inspired a renewed commitment to accountability and integrity in public administration.
The Wafaqi Mohtasib has the authority to investigate allegations independently and provide speedy redressal of grievances, often acting as the poor man’s court. Operationally, the Wafaqi Mohtasib stands out with its robust framework for complaints, accepting submissions in any language through various mediums. It ensures an immediate response and ongoing updates via SMS alerts, a feature not commonly found in similar institutions. Hearings and resolutions are typically completed within 60 days, with findings published publicly. Over the years, the institution has seen a significant increase in complaints, from 7,812 in 1983 to 194,106 in 2023, benefiting nearly 1.9 million households.
The lecture also highlighted the institution’s functional autonomy, with the federal government ensuring its administrative and financial independence. The Wafaqi Mohtasib operates from its head office in Islamabad and 21 regional offices, including outreach initiatives to redress grievances in remote areas. Its efforts extend to systemic issues, child rights, and support for overseas Pakistanis through dedicated facilitation desks and grievance commissioner offices.
Internationally, Pakistan is at the forefront of employing the ombudsman system for swift and cost-effective justice. The Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan is not just a member but an active participant in the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA), showcasing Pakistan’s commitment to promoting global standards of good governance and its recognition in the international community.
