Federal Ombudsman Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi has said that ombudsman institutions play a fundamental role in upholding the rule of law, promoting good governance, and ensuring justice. He was addressing an international conference on “Strengthening Rule of Law through Ombudsman Institutions,” organized by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) and hosted by the Ombudsman Punjab, Ayesha Hamid, who also serves as IOI Vice President.
The conference brought together heads and representatives of ombudsman offices from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao (China), the Philippines, Timor-Leste, and Pakistan, along with a large number of international participants. The IOI is a global organization comprising around 200 member institutions of ombudsmen and mediators.
Speaking at the event, Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi emphasized that the work of ombudsman institutions helps make state organizations more active, efficient, and citizen-focused. He said these institutions are committed to promoting equality, justice, and public service.
The Federal Ombudsman noted that his office functions in line with the core principles outlined in relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions, contributing to the protection of human rights, promotion of good governance, and strengthening of the rule of law.
Highlighting the importance of the ombudsman’s role, Qureshi said these institutions are vital in addressing maladministration, ensuring accountability, improving service delivery standards, and maintaining institutional discipline.
He also shared that suo motu actions taken by the Federal Ombudsman’s office have significantly improved the performance of several government departments. Initiatives such as holding open public hearings in remote areas and inspection visits to departments with high complaint rates have enhanced transparency and accountability, he added.
Qureshi stressed that such measures have played a crucial role in consolidating the rule of law across the country.
Besides international delegates, the conference was also addressed by Punjab Ombudsman Ayesha Hamid, the Federal Insurance Ombudsman, the Federal Tax Ombudsman, and the Federal Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment.
