Thirty-nine Officers from Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), participating in the 47th Specialized Training Programme, visited the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH)
On 30.04.2024 thirty-nine Officers from Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS), participating in the 47th Specialized Training Programme, visited the Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection against Harassment (FOSPAH) as part of their study tour. The Officers were accompanied by Ms. Ammara Amir Khattak, Director (PAS); Mr. Qadir Nawaz, Additional Director Programme; and Mr. Muhammad Anees Chishti, Programme Officer. The Officers met with Ms. Fauzia Viqar, the Federal Ombudsperson against Harassment along with the Legal Advisors. The visit commenced with a presentation on the mandate and working of FOSPAH which was delivered by Ms. Meher Jamy, Law Officer. The session was interactive with many participants inquiring about the powers of suo motu available to the Federal Ombudsperson in harassment matters; the range of penalties that can be imposed on guilty persons and the methods available for their implementation; the process adopted by FOSPAH to comply with standards of due process and natural justice; and the steps being taken by FOSPAH to reach out to the most marginalised sections of society. The presentation was followed by court proceedings in harassment and property complaints, which the Officers observed giving them a practical demonstration of the procedure followed at FOSPAH. Both cases were at the final arguments stage and allowed Officers to understand the grievances generally raised before the forum. The visit then concluded with a group photo and exchange of souvenirs.