9,000 complaints registered with Sindh Ombudsman office: SZABIST seminar told

The fifth Brand Ambassador Program seminar was organized at SZABIST University Clifton through a collaboration between the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh and SZABIST University Karachi on Tuesday, featuring Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Mohammad Sohail Rajput as the chief guest.

Speaking at the event, Mr Rajput underlined that the Brand Ambassador Program aims to promote public awareness among youth regarding the role and services of the Ombudsman’s office. Citing a World Bank survey, he noted that while 25 percent of Pakistan’s population lives below the poverty line and Sindh’s population is approximately 50 million, only 9,000 complaints have been registered with the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh.

He identified public distrust, disinterest, fear, and lack of awareness as key factors contributing to the low number of complaints. Stressing the need to strengthen public confidence, he emphasized that the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh is dedicated to providing free and transparent justice against irregularities in government departments.

He mentioned that the office is making efforts to resolve complaints within 90 days and is proactively addressing public interest cases through ownmotion powers and Section 33 provisions. Although delays may occasionally occur, he assured that the ultimate goal of delivering justice is being consistently achieved.

During the seminar, Rajput also engaged with students, providing detailed responses during an interactive Q and A session.

Earlier, SZABIST University Vice President Imtiaz Qazi, in his welcome address, expressed appreciation to the Provincial Ombudsman and his team for conducting the seminar. He noted that while delayed justice amounts to a denial of justice, the efforts by the Ombudsman’s office to offer free and timely redress are highly commendable.

Registrar Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Masood Ishrat outlined the vision, objectives, and operational structure of the institution, while Advisor Rehana G Ali Memon elaborated on the Provincial Ombudsman Brand Ambassador Program and its role in public engagement.