MUZAFFARABAD: The Regional Office of the Federal Ombudsman in Muzaffarabad held hearings on more than 30 complaints received from Tehsil Dheer Kot (District Bagh), Hattian Bala, and Neelum, mainly concerning Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and the Special Communications Organization (SCO).
The hearing was conducted by Advisor to the Federal Ombudsman for Azad Kashmir, Mr. Sardar Javed Ayub. Representing Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal were Field In-Charge Mr. Junaid ur Rehman and Office In-Charge Mr. Majid Kazmi, while SCO was represented by Field Engineer Mr. Tahir Zakir.
During the proceedings, complainants stated that they had applied for financial assistance from Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal long ago but had not received any response. The Bait-ul-Mal representatives informed that most cases had been processed and forwarded to the Islamabad head office, while incomplete applications would be finalized after obtaining required documents.
On this, Mr. Ayub directed the officials to review all pending cases promptly and ensure timely responses to applicants.
Officials from SCO informed that a fiber network had been installed in Tehsil Dheer Kot, leading to improved service quality. They added that new towers would be installed in complaint-affected areas after conducting feasibility studies. SCO also highlighted the establishment of a Freelance Service Hub, offering free access to computers and internet facilities for students and freelancers, benefiting the local community.
Regarding Leepa Valley, SCO representatives stated that services were disrupted due to snowfall, but internet and phone connectivity would be restored once routes are cleared. Mr. Ayub instructed SCO to maintain service standards and address public complaints without delay.
