Wafaqi Mohtasib stresses centrality of rule of law in promoting good governance and inclusivity.

KARACHI, October 8, 2025 — The Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) of Pakistan, Mr. Ejaz Ahmad Qureshi, has emphasized that adherence to the rule of law remains the cornerstone of good governance, fair play, and inclusivity, calling upon ombudsman institutions worldwide to align their functioning with international standards.

He made these remarks while addressing the International Conference on “Strengthening the Rule of Law through Ombudsman Institutions”, held in Karachi on Tuesday evening as part of the Asian Regional Meeting 2025 of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) — a global body representing over 200 ombudsman and mediator institutions.

The meeting was hosted by the Provincial Ombudsman Punjab, Ms. Ayesha Hamid, who also serves as the Second Vice President of the IOI, and attended by participants and heads of ombudsman offices from Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Indonesia, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, Macao-China, Philippines, and Timor Leste, along with representatives of national ombudsman institutions.

Ombudsman Institutions as Catalysts for Accountability and Efficiency

In his address, Mr. Qureshi stated that the core mandate of ombudsman institutions is to make state agencies more efficient, transparent, and responsive to citizens’ needs.

“Ombudsman institutions are enablers of good governance,” he said. “They promote inclusivity, equality, fair play, and justice in society.”

He noted that the Wafaqi Mohtasib Secretariat of Pakistan incorporates all the essential features outlined in UN General Assembly resolutions—ensuring independence, autonomy, and an effective role in the promotion of human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.

Mr. Qureshi added that ombudsman institutions, by addressing maladministration, contribute directly to improving efficiency, discipline, and quality of public service delivery, thereby reinforcing citizens’ trust in the rule of law.

Institutional Reforms and Public Engagement

Highlighting the initiatives undertaken by the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s office, Mr. Qureshi said that suo motu notices on instances of mismanagement have led to visible improvements in the performance of several government agencies.

He also mentioned citizen-oriented measures such as:

• Khuli Katcheries (open public hearings) in remote and underserved regions, and

• Inspection visits to departments receiving frequent public complaints.

These efforts, he said, have significantly improved efficiency, transparency, and accountability across various public sector organizations.

“By addressing complaints directly and ensuring corrective action, the Wafaqi Mohtasib is actively strengthening the culture of accountability and the rule of law,” he remarked.

Regional Collaboration and Shared Objectives

In addition to the Wafaqi Mohtasib’s address, the conference featured remarks from Provincial Ombudsman Punjab Ms. Ayesha Hamid, Federal Insurance Ombudsman, Federal Tax Ombudsman, and the Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace, as well as several international speakers.

The event underscored the importance of regional cooperation, exchange of best practices, and institutional alignment with global ombudsman standards to enhance the delivery of justice and strengthen democratic governance.

Concluding his address, Mr. Qureshi reiterated that rule of law is the foundation of lasting good governance, emphasizing that ombudsman institutions must continue to evolve as guardians of fairness, equality, and citizen empowerment.