Workshop Discusses Anti-Corruption Strategies

A high-level capacity-building workshop focusing on anti-corruption measures, good governance, and effective complaints of redressal mechanisms was jointly organized by the Provincial Ombudsman Sindh and Transparency International on Friday. The workshop brought together senior government officials, regulators, and civil society leaders to exchange practical strategies aimed at strengthening accountability and improving public service delivery.

Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Mohammad Sohail Rajput said that the institution had significantly increased the registration of public complaints through expanded outreach, including media campaigns, social media engagement, open courts, seminars, workshops, and ambassador programs. He also noted that internships were offered to students to build institutional capacity. Additionally, 2,660 complaints were resolved on the spot through open courts held in rural areas.

To improve the effectiveness of complaint redressal, Rajput said that the Ombudsman’s office had entered into formal agreements with non-governmental organizations, including Transparency International, the Red Crescent, and HANDS. These partnerships, he added, were complemented by regular review meetings, seminars, and workshops with heads of government institutions. Standing committees established as part of these efforts had helped strengthen public trust.

The Ombudsman’s office has also launched a mobile application and complaint management system allowing complainants to directly monitor the progress and implementation of their cases. Justice (retd) R. Zia Pervez, Chairman of Transparency International Pakistan, and Francois Valerian, Chair of Transparency International, also addressed the workshop, emphasizing the role of institutional cooperation and transparency in curbing corruption.

Other speakers included Banking Ombudsman Sirajuddin Aziz, Sindh Healthcare Commission CEO Ahsan Qavi, Transparency International Pakistan Executive Director Kashif Ali, Chief Information Commissioner Dr. Javed Ali, several senior regulators and policy experts. During an interactive question-and-answer session, participants stressed the need for practical, enforceable steps to translate policy discussions into measurable outcomes.

The workshop concluded with the presentation of commemorative shields and certificates of appreciation to the speakers. The workshop was attended by heads of various government departments including Mohammad Saleem Rajput, Zahid Abbasi, Zarif Khehro, Rasheed Ahmed Zardari, MD Karachi Water Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Chairman Sindh Red Crescent Mohammad Rehan Hashmi, DG Sindh Emergency Rescue 1122 Brigadier Wajid Sibghatullah, DG Sindh Information Department Moeezuddin Pirzada, former DG Information and Member Information Commission Mohammad Saleem Khan, Director Information Films Hizbullah Memon, Noor Ahmed Dayo, DG Excise and Taxation Sindh Aurangzeb Panhwar, DG Provincial Ombudsman Sindh Naseemuddin Mirani, Director Coordination Imdad Hussain Siddiqui, among others in large numbers.