In a demonstration of collective resolve for institutional reform and good governance, the 28th Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO) convened at Serena Hotel, Quetta, under the stewardship of H.E. Nazar Muhammad Baloch, the Provincial Ombudsman of Balochistan. The meeting brought together leading ombudsmen and representatives from across Pakistan, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing public grievances and enhancing administrative accountability.
The session opened with a warm welcome from Nazar Muhammad Baloch, who expressed his appreciation for the participants’ commitment to fostering a culture of justice and transparency. In his remarks, Baloch highlighted the pivotal role Ombudsman institutions play in safeguarding citizens’ rights against maladministration. He described the forum as an “ideal platform for innovative collaboration,” emphasizing that shared experiences and practices have the potential to amplify the efficiency and outreach of ombudsman offices nationwide.
Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah, Federal Tax Ombudsman and President of the FPO, delivered the keynote address, where he lauded the strides made by the organization, including the establishment of a centralized FPO Secretariat in Islamabad. He described the Secretariat as a milestone in improving inter-institutional coordination and operational efficiency. Jah also formally welcomed Sirajuddin Aziz, the newly appointed Federal Banking Ombudsman, whose decades-long leadership in Pakistan’s financial sector is expected to bring fresh vigor to the role.
One of the meeting’s most significant moments came with the unanimous re-election of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah as the President of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman. Jah was also nominated for the prestigious role of Secretary General of the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA), ahead of the OICOA’s upcoming General Assembly in Istanbul. The unanimous decision reflected the forum’s confidence in Jah’s leadership and his capacity to elevate Pakistan’s role on the international stage.
The forum addressed logistical and operational concerns as well, scheduling the 29th FPO Meeting to be hosted by the Punjab Ombudsman’s office in Lahore, followed by the 30th Meeting in Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
Key updates were shared by Hon’ble Executive Secretary Almas Ali Jovindah, who detailed recent advancements, including the rollout of the FPO Newsletter, the revamp of the FPO website, and upcoming workshops designed to modernize staff capacity across Ombudsman offices. Jovindah underscored the importance of sustained engagement, urging all institutions to appoint focal persons to ensure regular contributions and updates.
The meeting also became a platform for institutions to showcase their achievements. Nazar Muhammad Baloch reported a 400% increase in complaint resolution efficiency in Balochistan, an accomplishment that was met with applause from attendees. Other Ombudsman offices, including Punjab, Sindh, and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, presented their successes, such as implementing digital complaint systems, 24/7 helplines, and mobile apps, signaling a growing focus on technology-driven public service delivery.
The session concluded with Nazar Muhammad Baloch delivering a reflective vote of thanks, where he praised the leadership of Dr. Asif Mahmood Jah and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the role of Ombudsman institutions as the “last bastion of hope for citizens.” Baloch emphasized that collective innovation, transparency, and accountability remain the cornerstones of their shared mission.
As the meeting closed, the 28th Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman left a clear message: the path to institutional excellence and public trust lies in collaboration, innovation, and relentless commitment to justice.
