In an attempt to take care of the needs of locals and overseas Pakistanis, the Federal Ombudsman Pakistan had previously issued a press release instructing all government offices to open up complaint cells. Their purpose was to cater to consumer concerns and facilitating the overseas residents within a 15 day deadline.
This initiative was cordially welcomed by Pakistanis, hoping that their complaints will receive effective responses instead of the traditional delays they experience at the hands of government officials.
A recent evaluation of the reports disclosed that the highest number of complaints registered were directed at the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA), with people expressing dissatisfaction over their consumer services.
A total of 18,620 complaints filed against NADRA requested immediate findings into the matter and urged that effective steps be taken to resolve the issues.
Ahsan Ahmed Khokhar, Federal Ombudsman’s Senior Adviser (Law) and Grievance Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis, disclosed that majority of the complaints can be summed up into the following areas:
“Systemic issues, including easy automation process, of around 8.4 million overseas Pakistanis have also been taken up and complaints have also been received from New Zealand, Holland, Germany, Italy, USA and other countries on the subject.”
Meanwhile, concerns over the Foreign Ministry’s delay at issuing a compliance report to the Federal Ombudsman, has caused unrest amongst employees of immigration and passport sections at Pakistan’s Foreign missions. Non-payment of salaries and house allowances is causing difficulties for the staff and the Ministry has been urged to respond today.
The Wafaqi Mohtasib has also contacted the Director General of Directorate of Immigration and Passport to seek a compliance report if the Ministry fails to provide one in time.