Severe concern was expressed over the open sale of gutka, mawa, and other narcotics during an open court held for the redressal of public grievances, upon which an official from the Provincial Ombudsman’s office promised decisive action against major drug dealers.
Assistant (F) to the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Syed Ali Mumtaz Zaidi, presided over an open court at Circuit House Makli on Monday, attended by senior local officials and a large number of citizens.
During the hearing, citizens also expressed several other concerns, including allegations of corruption in government departments, encroachments on graveyards, the illegal installation of CNG cylinders in public transport vehicles, and deficiencies in local health and education services.
In response to the public’s complaints, Mr. Zaidi listened to the issues presented and issued on-the-spot directives to the officers of the concerned departments, demanding their immediate resolution. He stated that drug use is a serious social menace and that to eradicate this problem, higher authorities would be formally requested to take action against major suppliers.
Highlighting the purpose of his institution, Mr. Zaidi described the Provincial Ombudsman’s office as a bridge between the public and government departments, established to provide free and timely justice. He encouraged citizens to use this forum without fear to file their complaints against any department of the Sindh government, and assured that all legitimate issues would be resolved.
Earlier in the day, the Assistant Provincial Ombudsman visited the office of the Regional Director of the Ombudsman in Thatta. Following an inspection, he instructed the staff to make the complaint registration process more efficient and to handle all matters with complainants courteously and transparently.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the participating citizens expressed their gratitude for the prompt attention to their problems. They appreciated the official’s assurances and expressed hope that their grievances would be redressed soon.