This is an administrative forum based in Islamabad with satellite offices in other cities of Pakistan, created to investigate the complaints of maladministration against the Government and its agencies. Its jurisdiction may be invoked by any aggrieved person, including foreign individuals and companies. Federal Ombudsman has wide ranging remedial powers and no court has jurisdiction to stay or grant injunction against an order of the Federal Ombudsman. The orders of the Federal Ombudsman may only be appealed to the President of Pakistan.
To present your complaint against a government organisation at the Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib) in Pakistan, you will need to follow a structured process designed to ensure that your grievance is heard and addressed efficiently. Here is an overview of the steps involved and information on appealing the decision:
Filing a Complaint
- Submission of Complaint:
- You can file a complaint in English or Urdu at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat’s head office or any of its regional offices. Complaints can be submitted in person, through a representative, or via post, courier, fax, email, or the online complaint system available on their website.
- The complaint should ideally be accompanied by WMS Form “A” (an affidavit). If not, it must be accompanied by a solemn affirmation that the allegations are true to the best of your knowledge and that no previous complaint on the same subject has been filed nor is any related legal proceeding pending (Mohtasib) .
- Processing the Complaint:
- Upon receipt, the complaint is registered and given a unique registration number. The Registrar’s office examines the complaint and documents, and a summary (WMS Form “B”) is prepared.
- The complaint is then forwarded to the Mohtasib or an authorised officer for admission or rejection. You will receive an acknowledgment, and if admitted, the relevant agency will be asked to respond to your complaint (Mohtasib) .
Investigation and Decision
- Investigation:
- Both you and the agency against which the complaint is filed will be given opportunities to present your sides. The investigation will be thorough, ensuring all aspects are considered before a decision is made (Mohtasib) .
- Decision:
- The Wafaqi Mohtasib will issue a decision after completing the investigation. If the complaint is found valid, the Mohtasib can recommend corrective actions. If not, the complaint will be denied, and you will be informed of the reasons (Mohtasib) .
Appealing the Decision
- Appeal Process:
- If you are not satisfied with the decision of the Wafaqi Mohtasib, you have the right to appeal. Appeals can be made to the President of Pakistan within thirty days of the decision.
- The President can uphold, modify, or overturn the Mohtasib’s decision, providing another level of review to ensure fairness and justice
By following these steps, you can ensure that your complaint is handled appropriately and that you have avenues for further recourse if necessary. For more detailed information and to file a complaint online, you can visit the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s official website (Mohtasib)
