ISLAMABAD: National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Chairman Justice (r) Ali Nawaz Chohan on Wednesday called the institution of the ombudsman system as essential for the growth of democracy.
Addressing the advisors and officers at the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat, he emphasised the role of the federal ombudsman in providing relief to ordinary citizens in matters where the formal courts would not interfere for want of jurisdiction. He commended their performance in resolving public grievances, saying that the institution, under the leadership of Salman Faruqui, had progressed its ideals by spreading its operations to far-flung areas. He appreciated the ombudsman system’s role in improving jail environment especially for women and juvenile inmates. He added that the NCHR was also concerned about jail environment and the ombudsman’s actions in this regard were an inspiration for the organisation. Federal Ombudsman Salman Faruqui earlier briefed the NCHR chairman on the working of the system, highlighting the reforms introduced in major prisons on their recommendations.
