BUREAUCRATIC hurdles are hindering the functioning of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) ombudsman office. As a concerned citizen, I am deeply troubled by the way in which the bureaucracy is preventing justice from being served in a timely manner.

I have submitted a complaint to the ombudsman’s office against the Higher Education Department, a public entity, which, I believe, is suffering from maladministration and injustice. The court has held four hearings so far, but I am frustrated to say that no action has been taken against the official in question.

It is my understanding that the court has the power to issue contempt notices against officials who fail to comply with its requests for information, or refuse to cooperate with its investigations. However, I am disappointed that the bureaucracy is preventing the court from taking such an action.

I am deeply concerned by this development, as it suggests that public officials may be able to act with impunity without fear of consequences. This undermines the credibility of the ombudsman’s office and erodes public trust in the institution.

The relevant authorities should take all necessary steps to remove the bureau- cratic hurdles that are being faced by the ombudsman office. It is essential that the said office operates in a fair and impartial manner, and that officials are held accountable for any wrongdoing.

Doing this requires a firm commit-ment to providing the necessary resources and funding to the court, as well as ensuring that government agencies and public officials cooperate fully with the court’s request for information.

Abdullah Wazir
Bannu

Published in Dawn, July 14th, 2023