Peshawar — The Provincial Ombudsman, Mr. Mutaher Zeb, met with a delegation of the Supreme Council of the National Reform Movement and the Young Lawyers Council, to deliberate on key governance and public service challenges while reviewing the reform initiatives undertaken by the movement.
The delegation, led by Provincial President Mr. Sohrab Ali Khan, presented the objectives and performance report of the movement, emphasizing its commitment to resolving social disputes, promoting reconciliation, and extending free legal support within a human rights framework.
Respected members of the delegation included Mr. Ibrahim Khan Advocate, Javed Khan Advocate, Hamza Javed Advocate, Shah Fahad Advocate, Jan Afzal Khan, Asmatullah Khan Baba Khel, and Engr. Abdul Wali Khan, along with volunteer members who have been actively engaged in community-level dispute resolution.
The representatives raised several systemic issues hindering service delivery and good governance, notably:
- Inaction of institutions resulting in delayed redressal of citizens’ grievances.
- Excessive land transfer fees, driving individuals toward informal or illegal practices and undermining state revenue.
- The unchecked spread of illegal housing schemes on agricultural land, disrupting planning and drainage systems.
- Encroachments and persistent irregularities in the Patwari system, eroding public confidence in fair administration.
In response, Ombudsman Mutaher Zeb acknowledged the seriousness of these challenges and informed the delegation about the launch of a modern online complaints portal, designed to empower citizens to directly register grievances, ensure real-time tracking, and facilitate legal action against negligent officials. He underscored that the Ombudsman’s Office remains committed to timely justice, institutional accountability, and safeguarding the rights of citizens.
Mr. Zeb further described the National Reform Movement’s objectives as an exemplary model of community-driven good governance, applauding the efforts of lawyers and volunteers in supporting citizens and upholding social justice. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen institutional collaboration, aligning the efforts of the Ombudsman’s Office and civil society movements toward transparency, accountability, and public trust in governance.
