ISLAMABAD: Senate introduced a landmark 'public-petition system' on Tuesday, under which citizens can mail complaints pertaining to public sector departments directly to the Parliament's Upper House.

The system, inaugurated by Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani at a simple ceremony held at Parliament House, allows citizens to make complaints via email and snail mail.

"There is [a] proper cell established to deal with the complaints which would also give [a] tracking number to the complainant for follow up", Senate Secretary Amjad Pervez said in his opening remarks.

Leader Of the Opposition in the Upper House, Aitzaz Ahsan, and Senator Raja Zafarul Haq welcomed the move, saying it would help resolve complex public issues.

Senate Deputy Chairman Abdul Ghafoor Haideri highlighted the role of Senate in the parliamentary system, but said the Upper House still lacked key powers.

Senate chief Raza Rabbani, speaking on the occasion, said the newly-introduced mechanism would restore the majesty and transparency of the parliamentary system.

He said the move was part of a process of greater reforms, and that similar initiatives would be taken in the future.