ISLAMABAD – Ombudsman leaders from across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir gathered in Islamabad to reaffirm their collective commitment to strengthening the public complaint system and to improve efficiency, promote good governance, and enhance citizen trust through faster and more effective grievance redressal.
The meeting was presided over by Hon’ble Naveed Kamran Baloch, Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan, in the absence of Hon’ble Zafar Hijazi, who serves as President of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsmen. At the opening of the session, Executive Secretary FPO Mr. Almas Ali Jovindah delivered the message of President Zafar Hijazi, highlighting that the fourteen ombudsmen institutions across Pakistan collectively represent the country’s largest network of administrative justice. He emphasized their role as a vital “safety valve of governance,” bridging the gap between citizens and the state.
The Forum extended warm welcome to newly joined members, including Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch, Ombudsman Azad Jammu and Kashmir Mohammad Arif Khan Rathore, Provincial Ombudsperson Punjab Ms. Najma Afzal Khan, and Provincial Ombudsperson Balochistan Ms. Tahira Baloch. Their inclusion was seen as further strengthening the collective institutional framework dedicated to public service and accountability.
Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that the core purpose of ombudsman institutions remains the restoration of public confidence through effective and timely grievance resolution. They reiterated that promoting good governance, transparency, and administrative justice across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir continues to be their central mission.
Federal Ombudsman Naveed Kamran Baloch stressed the importance of enhancing collaboration among member institutions and promoting the exchange of best practices, while also increasing public awareness regarding citizens’ right to seek redress for their grievances.
The Forum also paid tribute to outgoing Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmed Qureshi, recognizing his contributions to the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat and his previous role as President of the Asian Ombudsman Association.
A key discussion point during the meeting was the potential integration of artificial intelligence within ombudsman institutions to improve efficiency and facilitate more effective handling of public complaints.
Chairperson FOSPAH Fauzia Viqar highlighted her institution’s work on proposed legislative amendments related to women’s property rights and emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts with provincial ombudspersons. She also appreciated the continued support received from the Punjab and Balochistan Ombudsman offices in strengthening FOSPAH’s outreach across the country.
It was noted during the meeting that the fourteen ombudsman institutions in Pakistan collectively resolved more than 450,000 complaints in the past year, with most cases being addressed in less than sixty days, often at no or minimal cost to complainants, reflecting the efficiency and accessibility of the system.
The session also featured remarks from Banking Mohtasib Sirajuddin Aziz, Sindh Ombudsman Sohail Rajput, and Punjab Ombudsperson Dr. Najma Afzal Khan, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to delivering timely and effective relief to citizens.
Senior officials including Secretary Federal Ombudsman Ali Tahir, Advisor Punjab Ombudsman Arif Anwar Baloch, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ombudsperson Abbas Khan, and Director AJK Ombudsman Shazia Ashraf also shared their perspectives on strengthening institutional coordination and improving service delivery.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve among all participants to further enhance the effectiveness of ombudsman institutions, embrace technological innovation, and continue strengthening public trust through swift and accessible justice delivery across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
