History

(Urdu Translation)

In Pakistan, the institution of Ombudsman was set up at the federal level in 1983 under President's Order No. 1 of 1983. This Institution could not attend to complaints pertaining to Provincial Agencies for want of jurisdiction. The public and Press jointly demanded establishment of Ombudsman Institution at provincial level. Federal Government also urged the provincial governments from time to time to set up this Institution.

In Sindh, it was set up through the Establishment of the office of Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh Act, 1991.

In Punjab, the office of the Ombudsman came into existence on the 30th September, 1996 through Punjab Ordinance No. XI of 1996.

Mr. Justice Mohammad Munir Khan, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, was appointed on the 20th October, 1996 as the first Ombudsman for the Province of Punjab. He had hardly settled down in the office when he fell victim to an act of terrorism, resulting in his tragic death.

The 2nd Ombudsman Mr. Justice (R) Manzoor Hussain Sial took over the charge of the office of the Ombudsman Punjab on the 26th January 1997. Mr. Justice (R) Manzoor Hussain Sial completed his tenure, on 25th January, 2000. During his tenure he was confronted with the daunting challenges of establishment and organization of the Ombudsman Secretariat and providing speedy relief to the citizens against the injustices suffered by them at the hands of Administrative Agencies.

The Punjab Office of the Ombudsman Act, 1997 was promulgated on 30th June, 1997 during his tenure.

The 3rd Ombudsman Mr. Justice (R) Sajjad Ahmed Sipra assumed the charge of Office on 12.02.2000. Mr. Justice (R) Sajjad Ahmed Sipra relinquished his charge as Ombudsman Punjab on 11th February, 2004 after completing tenure.

The 4th Ombudsman Mr. Abdur Rashid Khan assumed the charge of Ombudsman Punjab on 17.05.2004. Mr. Abdur Rashid Khan relinquished his charge as Ombudsman Punjab on 15th May, 2008 after completing tenure.

The 5th Ombudsman Mr. Khalid Mahmood assumed the charge of Ombudsman Punjab on 08.12.2008.