Islamabad – July 2025: In collaboration with the OIC Ombudsman Association (OICOA), the Federal Tax Ombudsman (FTO) Secretariat Pakistan hosted an insightful virtual guest session featuring H.E. Marino Fardelli, Ombudsman of Lazio Region, Italy, and Board Member of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI).
The session was formally opened by Ms. Munimah Riaz, Supervisor of the FTO Internship Program and Assistant (Research & Outreach), who highlighted the growing scope of FTO’s international engagement. The event brought together over 100 interns from five internship categories: onsite, legal, media, research, and regional/remote.
In his keynote presentation, Mr. Fardelli traced the historical and institutional evolution of the Ombudsman, from Ancient Rome to the Swedish model and its modern role in Italy. He described the Ombudsman as a non-coercive yet persuasive defender of citizens’ rights, emphasizing youth inclusion through programs such as “The Ombudsman in the Classroom” and a planned Summer School for university students to promote civic education and democratic values.
The session featured a lively interactive segment, where interns engaged in comparative discussions on rights-based reforms, enforcement mechanisms, and the evolving role of Ombudsman institutions.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah, Executive Secretary OICOA and Legal Advisor at FTO, expressed gratitude to Mr. Fardelli for his continued support of OICOA’s mission and commitment to global learning. Also present was Ms. Neelam Shujahuddin, Assistant Advisor OICOA, recognized for her active role in youth and public awareness programs under the association.
The session reinforced FTO’s vision of global collaboration, practical knowledge exchange, and empowering future leaders through international exposure and engagement.
