APROPOS editorial `Forum for complaint` (Oct 30). While appreciating the initiative of Prime Minister Imran Khan on establishing the Pakistan Citizens` Portal, an online system to lodge complaints against government departments and public officials; I would like to inform him regarding the existence of the Institution of the Ombudsman at the federal and provincial levels to address general public complaints and also specific issues, for example taxation, banking, insurance and others. These need to be strengthened.

The concept of the ombudsman is toprovide free and speedy justice to citizens against maladministration by government functionaries.

Like all institutions, the key to success is the appointment of an ombudsman on merit.

Nazim Haji Karachi