H.E. Muttahir Zeb is a seasoned bureaucrat with more than 33 years of distinguished service in the civil services of Pakistan. He was appointed as the 5th Ombudsman of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in August 2025.
Holding a Master’s degree in English Literature, he entered provincial service in the late 1980s and went on to serve in some of the most critical administrative positions in the KPK province. Over the course of his career, he has held key posts as Administrative Secretary to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Establishment Department, Irrigation Department, Tourism, Culture, Archaeology & Museums Department, and Mines & Mineral Development Department. He also served as Divisional Commissioner of Kohat, Mardan, and Hazara divisions, Chairman of the Provincial Inspection Team, and District Coordination Officer of Charsadda.
Mr. Muttahir Zeb’s career is particularly notable for his extensive experience in the tribal areas, where he served as Political Agent of North Waziristan and Khyber agencies, and as Assistant Political Agent in Mohmand, Kurram, Khyber, and Bajaur agencies. These postings in sensitive and conflict-prone regions required him to manage law-and-order challenges, tribal governance, and development projects under demanding circumstances. His tenure as Political Agent in Khyber Agency, for instance, saw him navigating crises such as militant attacks with firmness and resilience. Known for his integrity and adherence to the rule of law, he has often been recognized for taking principled positions, such as upholding merit in hiring practices and insisting on transparency in departmental procedures.
As Ombudsman of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, H.E. Muttahir Zeb now leads this institution mandated to address citizen complaints of maladministration against provincial government departments. His priorities include enhancing administrative accountability, ensuring timely resolution of public grievances, strengthening coordination with provincial agencies, and promoting transparency and fairness in governance. Since assuming office, he has pledged to uphold justice, transparency, and public service, earning the confidence of both colleagues and the provincial leadership. Widely respected as a non-partisan and principled administrator, Mr. Zeb brings to the Ombudsman’s role the breadth of his administrative experience and a strong commitment to good governance.
