ISLAMABAD: Ombudsman leaders from across Pakistan convened in Islamabad to reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening the public complaint system, improving governance, and enhancing citizen trust through faster and more effective grievance redressal.
The meeting was presided over by Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch in the absence of Zafar Hijazi, President of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman. At the outset, Executive Secretary FPO Almas Ali Jovindah conveyed the President’s message, describing the country’s fourteen ombudsman institutions as the largest network of administrative justice and a vital “safety valve of governance” bridging citizens and the state.
The Forum extended a warm welcome to new members, including Naveed Kamran Baloch, Mohammad Arif Khan Rathore, Najma Afzal Khan, and Tahira Baloch, noting that their inclusion would further strengthen institutional accountability and public service delivery.
Participants reaffirmed their shared resolve to restore public confidence through timely and effective grievance redressal while promoting transparency, good governance, and administrative justice across Pakistan and AJK.
Speaking on the occasion, Naveed Kamran Baloch emphasized enhanced collaboration among member institutions, exchange of best practices, and increasing public awareness about citizens’ rights to seek redress.
The Forum also paid tribute to outgoing Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi for his services, including his role as President of the Asian Ombudsman Association.
A key discussion focused on integrating artificial intelligence within ombudsman institutions to improve efficiency and strengthen complaint handling mechanisms.
Chairperson Federal Ombudsperson Secretariat for Protection Against Harassment Fauzia Viqar highlighted legislative initiatives on women’s property rights and emphasized coordination with provincial ombudspersons, appreciating support from Punjab and Balochistan offices.
It was noted that the fourteen ombudsman institutions collectively resolved over 450,000 complaints in the past year, most within sixty days and often at minimal or no cost, demonstrating the system’s efficiency and accessibility.
Senior officials, including Ali Tahir, Arif Anwar Baloch, Abbas Khan, and Shazia Ashraf, also shared their views on enhancing coordination and service delivery.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolve to further strengthen ombudsman institutions, adopt technological innovation, and continue delivering swift and accessible justice to citizens across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
