Category Archives: AOA News Letter
Speedy justice delivered free of cost at the doorsteps of people
- WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) CELEBRATES 39TH ANNIVERSARY OF ESTABLISHMENT OF THE INSTITUTION- VOWS TO EXPEDITIOUSLY RESOLVE SMALL AND PETTY CASES I DISPUTES OF THE LOWER STRATA WHICH CANNOT AFFORD TO GO TO COURTS OR AFFORD A LAWYER; AND TO ADDRESS SYSTEMIC ISSUES
- ASKS MEDIA TO PLAY ITS DUE ROLE IN PROJECTION OF GOOD WORK FOR MORALE BOOSTING OF PERSONNEL AND IMAGE BUILDING ABROAD.
- PLANS TO ESTABLISH MORE REGIONAL OFFICES AT SWAT & GILGIT-BALTISTAN.
- PLEDGES TO CARRY OUT SYSTEMIC REFORMS TO ADDRESS THE ROOT CAUSES OF PERSISTENT COMPLAINTS
- RECONSTITUTES NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES OF CHILDREN
The Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman), Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has stated that the scope of operational activities of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib would be broadened to expeditiously resolve small and petty cases I disputes of the people at the lower strata who cannot afford to go to courts or afford a lawyer. He expected of Media to play its due role to project the good work of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib for morale boosting of the personnel, improving the country’s image abroad and making recommendations for improvement. He was addressing the 1st press conference after taking charge ·as the Wafaqi Mohtasib on the occasion of 39th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of Wafaqi Mohtasib.
Paying rich tributes to his predecessors for their dynamic role and contribution for the institution, he informed that the WMS has disposed of more than 1.7 million public complaints against Federal Agencies since inception, out of which 106, 732 were disposed of in the year 2021 alone. He also acknowledged the commitment, dedication and hard work of the Advisors which resulted in good fame of the institution. He added that the newly established offices at Sargodha, Bahawalpur and Kharan were receiving overwhelming response from the public and new offices would be inaugurated at Gilgit Baltistan and Swat very shortly. He also enunciated the reforms carried out in the prisons and for pensioners and overseas Pakistanis; the reports submitted in the Supreme Court against the references made by the latter; and the steps being taken to control cyber-crimes against children.
Expressing his satisfaction over the 110, 404 number of public complaints handled by his Office during the preceding year, he observed that 42, 240 complaints were filed on line reflecting the trend of the public to use the latest information technology tools.
When asked, he dilated upon the measures taken for the welfare of the women and children in jails, addressing the issue of overcrowding in jails, the steps being taken to address the root causes of persistent complaints against DISCOs and gas companies, efforts to resolve the problems of the account holders of National Savings, implementation of the recommendations of the reports of the committees constituted earlier for the purpose of systemic reforms; and controlling the menace of cybercrimes against children. He also highlighted the powers vested in the Wafaqi Mohtasib under the law to enforce the implementation of his findings.
ACRC Actively Communicates with the Transparency International to enhance Korea’s performance on the Corruption Perception Index
The ACRC, as an agency governing Korea’s anti-corruption policies, has carried out multi-dimensional efforts in the international community to enhance the country’s performance on the Corruption Perception Index (CPI).
Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Jeon Hyun-Heui) had a working-level meeting with the Transparency International (TI) in Berlin, Germany on November 8-9 to promote sustainable improvement of the CPI.
The CPI measures a country’s level of public sector corruption, which is the key to economic development and enhancement of national image, according to an industry-academy research center of the Seoul National University.
At the working-level meeting in Berlin, ACRC team explained Korea’s various anti-corruption policy achievements, such as operation of Anti-Corruption Policy Consultative Council, establishment of Public-Private Council for Transparent Society which is public-private partnership, enactment of the Act on the Prevention of Conflict of Interest, and revision of the Act on the Prohibition of the Improper Solicitation and Graft.
In response, TI said that Korea’s anti-corruption policy has been highly recognized by the international community including in the recent G20 meeting and expressed its intention to strengthen its cooperation with the ACRC to spread Korea’s cases to countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Director General Han Sam-seok of ACRC Anti-corruption Bureau said, “The International society has now started to recognize Korean government’s anti-corruption reform efforts and achievements so far. With stronger push for anti-corruption efforts, we will make efforts to place the country on the top 20ths in terms of high integrity.”
He added, “With our anti-corruption experiences and expertise, Korea will play a leading role in setting the international anti-corruption policy trend”
Recommendations by Ombudsman Sindh on issue of girls education
On the initiative of Provincial Ombudsman Sindh, Pakistan, Mr. Ajaz Ali Khan, Sindh Education Foundation (SEF) has conducted a research study on the issues of girls education in Sindh, which was sponsored by the International Ombudsman Institute within its regional subsidies programme. The Honourable Chief Minister Sindh inaugurated the launching ceremony on 21 October, 2021.
The Honourable Chief Minister, Sindh in his speech assured support for implementation of recommendations made by the Ombudsman Sindh to allocate greater resources for girls education. In his speech, the Chief Minister Sindh directed the local administration at all levels to ensure implementation of his directives for overall improvement in girls education as proposed by the Ombudsman Sindh.
On this occasion, a detailed presentation was given and recommendations on the study were highlighted. These recommendations were duly accepted and have now been given the status of Chief Minister’s directives, so that all concerned agencies take urgent action on these recommendations.
The day of legal aid for the conscripts
The Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan, together with the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service, held another Day of Legal Aid for convicts held in correctional colonies No. 2 and No. 8 via video conferencing.
All those who applied were given explanations and recommendations regarding further actions, some of the appeals were taken under control by the Commissioner and the head of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia for the Republic of Tatarstan and other departments.
It should be noted that the Day of Legal Aid in Correctional Colonies has been held on a regular basis since 2012. At the same time, taking into account the establishment of restrictive measures in order to prevent a new coronavirus infection, the format of the Days of Legal Aid has changed, but has not stopped, but transferred to the video conferencing mode. Thus, citizens serving a sentence of imprisonment can use this communication channel to declare violations of their rights or get advice on issues of interest.
Appointment of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah as Federal Tax Ombudsman
Born in 1962
in Sargodha, Pakistan, Dr. AsifMahmoodJah, has Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine & Surgery from King Edward Medical College. After qualifying CSS examination, he started his Career as Assistant Collector Customs in 1992 and rose to the post of Chief Collector (Customs) North, FBR. Dr. Asifhas attended various, professional and leadership courses/trainings in the country and abroad. He brings with him vast experience in all facets of Tax Administration, including Tax Operations, Tax Policy, Enforcement and Adjudication of tax related cases.
Philanthropic Achievements
Besides being a busy government officer working within bounds of law,
Dr. Asif has been daily taking out time to examine and treat poor and non-affording patients for the last 30 years. Hehas established hospitals, mobile clinics, 43 dispensaries, community welfare centers and schools throughout Pakistan. Working beyond borders, he also managed to supply relief goods to the Rohingya Muslims living in Bangladesh and Syrian refugees living in Turkey and Syria. On 14th October, 2021 he dispatched a huge caravan of relief goods consisting of 20 containers as humanitarian aid for the brotherly people of Afghanistan. He started Thar Green Campaign in line with Clean Green Pakistan Campaign envisaged by Prime Minister of Pakistan in which 150 green farms have been established over an area of 1000 acres in Thar, where wheat, vegetables and fodder for the cattle are being cultivated. He also started Income Generation Scheme for women of Thar. Customs Health Society, under his command has so far dug 1100 drinking water wells and installed 1000 hand pumps in Sindh and Baluchistanin order to provide clean drinking water to thedrought hit population ofThar and Balochistan.Dr. AsifMahmoodJah is a well-known Urdu writer and has authored 26 books which are widely read and appreciated in Pakistan and abroad. His book Dwa, GhizaaurShifa is a house hold guide and more than 50,000 copies has been published so far. It has been rated as the best seller by National Book Foundation for last five years. Dr. Asifhas been conferred Hilal-e-Imtiaz by President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23rd March, 2021 and Sitara-e-Imtiaz on 23rd March, 2016 for rendering valuable Social Services for the humanity in distress in Pakistan and abroad.
Role as Federal Tax Ombudsman Pakistan
Dr. ArifAlvi, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan administered oath of Federal Tax Ombudsman to Dr. AsifMahmoodJah on 29th September, 2021 and same day he assumed the charge of FTO.
Federal Tax Ombudsman has vital role in providing justice to taxpayers on complaints of maladministration by hierarchy of tax authorities. In this behalf FTO has wide power of investigation including inspection. Cognizance of maladministration can also be taken on own motion notice or by reference by the Federal Government, Courts or Legislative Bodies. Complete autonomy administrative as well as financial is provided to the FTO. His tenure is also ensured and protected under law and he has been conferred upon the power to exercise jurisdiction for contempt as the Supreme Court has to punish any person for contempt. Federal Tax Ombudsman provides expeditious and in-expensive justice to taxpayers and persons who have genuine grievances against the Federal Tax Authorities.
The 23rd Meeting of Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman 6th September, 2019 at Natiagali murree
The 23rd Meeting of Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman
The 23rd Meeting of Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) was held on 6th September, 2019 at the Nathiagali, Abbottabad, which was chaired by the Hon’ble Wafaqi Mohtasib, Mr. Tahir Shahbaz, and coordinated by Mr. Abdul Khaliq, Secretary FPO.
The following Agenda was discussed:-
Discussed for evolving strategy for election of AOA and OIC Ombudman Association(OICOA) in the upcoming conference in Turkey
Group Photo of the participants of 23rd Meeting of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsmen held on 6th September. 2019 at Nthiagali, Abbottabad.
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Justice Naser SERAJ,Iranian GIO participated 10th Annual Conference of the International Association of Anti-corruption Authorities
- The President of GIO met with the honorable Dean and Executive Secretary of the International Association of Anti-corruption Authorities (IACA), Martin Kreutner. The President of GIO had a fruitful meeting with the Dean and Executive Secretary of IACA on Jan 22, 2019 to exchange their ideas for future cooperation and preparation for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU).
- The President of GIO, also, met H.E. Peter Fichtenbauer Chairperson of the Austrian Ombudsman Board (AOB) on Jan 24, 2019. In that meeting both sides conveyed their interest to enhance mutual cooperation on training and education. In addition, they will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the foreseeable future.
- Finally, The President of GIO had another fruitful meeting with IOI Secretary General Kräuter on Jan 25, 2019. In that meeting, they placed a focus on the growing cooperation between the IOI with Ombudsman associations, globally. The Secretary General Kräuter, also, took the opportunity and conveyed the IOI’s wish to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the IOI and the Academy of AOA.
Sariya Saburskaya monitored observance of citizens’ rights during the elections
TATARSTAN 
COMMISSIONER FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Sariya Saburskaya monitored observance of citizens’ rights during the elections
On the day of the election of deputies of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan of the sixth convocation on September 8, 2019, the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan monitors the observance of citizens’ rights during the elections.
At the polling stations visited, monitoring was conducted of the voting process, of the actions of the members of the election commission, including the issuance of ballots to voters, etc.
The requirements of the legislation on the protection of electoral rights were fully observed, no violations were found. Voting facilities are equipped in such a way that the places for issuing ballots, voting booths and voting boxes are in the field of view of observers, voting booths provide the constitutional right to secrecy of voting, information boards contain information about candidates on the ballot papers, campaign materials on the stands was not posted.
Ombudsman’s representatives visited the Center for temporary detention of foreign citizens
TATARSTAN
COMMISSIONER FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Ombudsman’s representatives visited the Center for temporary detention of foreign citizens
In order to assist migrants in resolving their personal issues, explaining to them their rights and obligations, finding a solution to the problems that have developed as a result of their actions, employees and public assistants of the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan visit this Center every month.
13 migrants addressed who were given verbal detailed answers to their questions. Some of the appeals, with the help of the public assistant of the Commissioner, an expert of the Public Chamber of the Republic of Tatarstan on migration issues, were made in writing for further consideration and monitoring of the situation.
Sariya Saburskaya held joint reception of citizens with the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Protection
TATARSTAN
COMMISSIONER FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Sariya Saburskaya held joint reception of citizens with the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Protection
7 citizens addressed the Commissioner for Human Rights in the Republic of Tatarstan and the Deputy Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Republic of Tatarstan as part of a joint reception.
Citizens voiced issues of payment of privileges for travel in public transport, receiving subsidies for housing, material support for pensioners and disabled people. Citizens faced difficulties in finding employment. Written appeals are accepted for the organization of verification activities.