Islamabad, Pakistan

By Ashraf Siddiqui

EJAZ Ahmad Qureshi, Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan (Wafaqi Mohtasib) and President of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA), emphasised the importance of developing comprehensive policies and concerted efforts to address the issues faced by overseas Pakistanis.

In an interview recently in Islamabad with Editor, www.asiantelegraphqatar.com, he highlighted the significant role played by the over nine million overseas Pakistanis, who contribute by remitting over $30 billion to the country. It is vital to Pakistan’s economy and is particularly noteworthy because these remittances are received without stringent conditions, unlike the challenges associated with securing funds from international organisations like the IMF.

He highlighted the efforts made to assist overseas Pakistanis with the issues they encounter, including the establishment of a streamlined one window operation at airports and the availability of a dedicated advisor who can be reached through various means like email, WhatsApp, or telephone from anywhere.

Instructions have also been given to Pakistani embassies abroad to engage regularly with overseas Pakistanis and address their concerns. In cases where local resolutions are not possible, there is a direct email channel for intervention and support, he said.

Qureshi stressed the importance of acknowledging that Pakistan is a developing country with a per capita income of $1,600, significantly lower than countries like Qatar. with over US$ 60,000 per capita, or smaller nations like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, which boast per capita incomes exceeding US$ 10,000.

He noted that despite these challenges, Pakistanis believe in the potential of their country, and with robust systems and infrastructure, they aim to tap into this potential to uplift the nation.

“Recognising the vastness of the challenges and the substantial number of overseas Pakistanis, I emphasise the need for comprehensive policies and concerted efforts to address their concerns. I propose the inclusion of their representation in our parliament at decision-making levels. Personally, I commit to examining and presenting any suggestions they provide before relevant agencies to ensure their facilitation. Overseas Pakistanis are genuine assets in numerous ways, and their input should be integral to our national development agenda,” he noted. Qureshi lauded the institution’s global leadership in upholding ombudsmanship, emphasising its pivotal role in the rule of law and good governance.

The unopposed re-election of the Federal Ombudsman as President of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) by 47 member nations at the General Assembly in Kazan, Russia, signifies international recognition of Pakistan’s commitment to administrative justice, he said.

Qureshi highlighted the institution’s performance, revealing the resolution of 132,000 out of 133,000 registered complaints by September 15, 2023. He noted the AOA’s nonpolitical and professional character, hosting its permanent secretariat in Islamabad since its establishment in 1996.

Qureshi proudly shared that Wafaqi Mohtasib, since its inception, has benefited 1.9 million households, impacting the nation with a financial value of Rupees 3.1 billion. The resolution of 164,137 complaints last year marked a historic high in 40 years, and this year’s projected figure is around 185,000.

He said that initiatives like Outreach Complaint Resolution System (OCR) and Informal Resolution of Disputes (IRD) aim to provide accessible justice, with 2,379 cases resolved through mediation and conciliation.

Acknowledging the Overseas Diaspora’s significance, a Grievance Commissioner handles their complaints, with 121,545 cases managed this year. Qureshi underscored the firm establishment of ombudsmanship in Pakistan, outlining its expansion into various governance sectors, and expressed Pakistan’s commitment to sharing its experiences for the benefit of the international community.

Overseas Pakistanis having any grievance may contact Dr Inam-ul-Haq Javeid, Advisor / Grievance Commissioner for Overseas Pakistanis via Email: mohtasiboverseasgcommissioner@gmail.com; Tel. 0092519217259, 0092519217224; Whatsapp: 00923035095361; Helpline Overseas: 0092519313886, 0092519213887 (Monday to Friday, from 8am to 10pm). For online complaints against Federal Government