The Federal Ombudsman Secretariat Karachi on Tuesday organised an awareness session at Government College of Commerce and Economics-1 to educate students and faculty about its mandate and the broader role of ombudsman institutions in ensuring public sector accountability.

Addressing the session, Mr Anwar Haider of the Ombudsman Secretariat highlighted the importance of the ombudsman system in promoting good governance by holding public service institutions accountable. He explained that the ombudsman’s office acts as a platform for citizens, particularly underprivileged groups, to seek redressal against maladministration in public departments.

He informed participants that, like other countries, Pakistan has established multiple ombudsman offices to handle sector-specific grievances – including tax, insurance, and banking. The Federal Ombudsman, he noted, serves as a ‘poor man’s court,’ offering free-of-cost avenues to lodge complaints against public institutions such as NADRA, Pakistan Railways, K-Electric, SSGC, the post office, and passport offices.

‘These complaints are addressed within a timeframe of 15 to 60 days,’ Mr Haider said, adding that in 2024 alone, the Federal Ombudsman received over 226,000 cases – a reflection of the growing public trust in the institution.

The session was attended by a large number of students, faculty members, media representatives, and officers from the Ombudsman Secretariat. The interactive event aimed to not only inform young citizens about their rights but also to empower them to hold public offices accountable.

Mr Haider also used the platform to urge youth to avoid wasting time and instead focus on excellence in their respective academic and professional fields. ‘Youth must play a central role in nation-building by engaging actively and responsibly,’ he said.