Citizens from across Badin district lodged a pile of complaints against more than a dozen provincial departments in the open kachehri, upon which the Provincial Ombudsman’s office has issued a stern warning that action will be taken against any influential officer.
This public hearing, or open kachehri, was held on Wednesday in the Darbar Hall of the DC Office Badin, presided over by Advisor to the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Syed Ali Mumtaz Zaidi, and Regional Director Abdul Wahab Memon.
Citizens submitted applications based on issues with various government departments including Revenue, Education, Irrigation, Police, Local Government, Drainage, Highway, and Public Health. The scope of the complaints extended to the Finance Department, HESCO, Zakat, NADRA, Municipal Committees of Badin and Matli, and the Director of Land Settlement.
In response to the applications, Mr. Zaidi and Mr. Memon issued immediate directives to the officers of the concerned departments to ensure the prompt redressal of public issues. They assured the attendees that every legitimate issue would be resolved, and said that the purpose of such forums is to provide direct justice to the people.
Addressing the gathering, Syed Ali Mumtaz Zaidi confirmed that these sessions are being held on the instructions of the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Muhammad Sohail Rajput. He declared, “No matter how influential a person is, the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh will take action against them according to the law.” He added that the institution acts promptly on cases without any fees or recommendations.
Mr. Zaidi also highlighted a new development and clarified that citizens can now file a complaint against any provincial department from their homes using a specific mobile application.
Regional Director Abdul Wahab Memon reiterated that the purpose of this initiative is to solve public problems at their doorstep. He strictly directed that “Government officers should improve their attitudes and play an effective role in facilitating the public.”
After the conclusion of the open kachehri, Advisor Syed Ali Mumtaz Zaidi conducted a detailed visit to Indus Civil Hospital Badin.
The event was attended by several key officials including Deputy Commissioner Badin Yasir Bhatti, Additional Deputy Commissioner One Kashif Raza Mangi, District Health Officer Dr. Zahoor Ahmed Abbasi, and other senior representatives from the district administration, education, social welfare, and police.