KARACHI:

Legal Adviser to the President of Pakistan Justice (Retd) Irfan Qadir has said that the president’s decision on appeals against rulings of the Banking Mohtasib (Ombudsman) holds great importance.

“Banks can appeal to the president against the ombudsman’s decision,” he said while addressing a conference on Saturday, marking the completion of 20 years of the establishment of Banking Mohtasib Pakistan and themed “Work Ethics”.

He said that once the president delivers a decision on an appeal, banks cannot challenge that ruling in a court of law. According to the law, judges cannot hear cases against the president’s decisions on such appeals.

The legal adviser pointed out that Section 18 of the Federal Ombudsman Institutional Reforms Act 2013 bars judges from hearing such cases. If a judge hears a case against the president’s ruling, a reference can be filed against them. He said that banks have approached courts against the president’s decisions, but despite such violations of the law, no reference has been filed against any judge so far.

Irfan Qadir added that during fiscal year 2024-25, the president endorsed more than 500 decisions of the Banking Mohtasib. The president provided more than 100% relief to victims of bank fraud. He stressed that the ombudsman is of vital importance as it helps restore confidence in the banking sector.

He noted that cases of ATM misuse, digital transaction fraud, e-commerce frauds and account closures have been observed in the country. The Banking Mohtasib not only provided relief to almost 100% of fraud victims but also safeguarded the rights of ordinary citizens. Most banks have accepted and implemented the ombudsman’s decisions.

Speaking at the event, Pakistan Banks’ Association President Zafar Masud said that negative outlook has become common in society, where even good actions are often viewed with suspicion. He said there are examples showing that when arrogance sets in, decline soon follows. Therefore, it is necessary to control one’s desires and strictly adhere to the code of ethics in work.

He recalled the tragic plane crash he survived, saying that at first he thought the plane would land safely, but when he looked out the window and saw buildings dangerously close, he realised the gravity of the situation. The incident deeply affected him for four months. He said that no one in society is mentally fully healthy. He himself has never feared death, a trait he said he inherited from his father. After the plane crash, he has become even more fearless.