By Muhammad Zulfiqar Lone (Senior Advisor, Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat, Regional Office Sahiwal)
The institution of the Federal Ombudsman (Wafaqi Mohtasib), established under Presidential Order No. 1 of 1983, has evolved into a formidable shield for the underprivileged against administrative injustices within federal institutions.
With the primary goal of providing redressal to victims of maladministration and ensuring discipline across federal departments, the journey that began at the Central Secretariat in Islamabad has now expanded to 21 regional offices and 4 complaint centers nationwide—bringing justice directly to the doorsteps of the citizens.
The Birth of the Sahiwal Regional Office
The Regional Office in Sahiwal was established in April 2025. Before its inception, residents of the Sahiwal Division were forced to travel to Lahore, Faisalabad, or Multan to resolve their grievances. This caused significant financial strain and wasted precious time.
The establishment of this office was made possible through the personal interest and vision of the former Federal Ombudsman, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi. Today, as the office celebrates its first anniversary, it continues to operate under the dedicated leadership of the current Federal Ombudsman, Mr. Naveed Kamran Baloch, with a renewed spirit of public service.
A Year in Review: Performance by the Numbers
In just twelve months, the Sahiwal Regional Office has achieved milestones that serve as a benchmark for other institutions.
| Category | Statistics |
| Total Complaints Received | 6,077 |
| Resolved Complaints | 5,102 |
| Implementation Rate | 99% (Surpassing the 95% national target) |
| National Ranking | 2nd in Pakistan |
| Financial Relief Provided | Approx. 25 Million PKR |
Teamwork and Dedication
The success of this office is a testament to the tireless efforts of its staff. Initially led by Mr. Inayatullah Dula, and subsequently overseen by Mr. Izhar Ahmad (Advisor, Lahore Regional Office), the team has remained steadfast.
The author, Muhammad Zulfiqar Lone, joined as an Advisor on May 13, 2025, and was later promoted to Senior Advisor. Key administrative contributions have also been made by Mr. Mazhar Hussain Kathia (In-charge, Implementation Wing) and Ms. Farzeen Haider (In-charge, Admin and Accounts Wing).
How to Lodge a Complaint: Simple and Cost-Free
The process for filing a complaint with the Federal Ombudsman is designed to be accessible to everyone, requiring no lawyer and no fees:
Simple Application: Write your grievance against a federal department on plain paper.
Supporting Documents: Attach any available evidence or relevant correspondence.
Contact Info: Include your address, phone number, CNIC, and signature/thumbprint.
Submission Channels: Applications can be sent via post, email, WhatsApp, or through the online portal.
Transparent Hearings and Swift Justice
Once a complaint is received, notices are issued to both parties. The process ensures a fair hearing where both sides can present their stance. If a complainant cannot attend in person, their statement can even be taken over the phone.
Most importantly, decisions are typically reached within 30 to 45 days, and copies of the verdict are provided free of charge. The Sahiwal Regional Office has become a beacon of hope and respect for the public, ensuring that every citizen’s dignity is upheld while justice is served.