KARACHI: The Federal Insurance Ombudsman (FIO) Pakistan Mumtaz Ali Shah participated in the introductory meeting and webinar of the Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA) convened by Naveed Kamran Baloch, Federal Ombudsman Pakistan, upon assuming office as the President of the AOA.
The meeting brought together distinguished ombudsmen and representatives of member institutions from across Asia, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the Association’s leadership. The session also held special significance as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian Ombudsman Association, founded in 1996.
During the session, the Federal Insurance Ombudsman Pakistan congratulated Naveed Kamran Baloch on his assumption of office and expressed confidence in his leadership to further strengthen the Association’s role as a premier regional platform for promoting ombudsmanship, good governance, and protection of citizens’ rights.
Highlighting the importance of the 30-year milestone, Mumtaz Ali Shah noted that the AOA has, over the past three decades, played a pivotal role in fostering cooperation among ombudsman institutions, promoting professional development, and facilitating the exchange of best practices across diverse jurisdictions.
Emphasizing the evolving role of ombudsman institutions, he stated that in today’s rapidly changing governance landscape, citizens expect accessible, timely, and transparent redress mechanisms, and ombudsman offices serve as a vital bridge between the public and the administration.
Sharing Pakistan’s experience, the Federal Insurance Ombudsman underscored the role of specialized ombudsman institutions in delivering expeditious and cost-effective justice, particularly in sectors such as insurance where disputes often arise during times of personal and financial distress.
He also welcomed the initiative of the AOA President in convening the introductory meeting and webinar, terming it a timely step towards strengthening engagement, enhancing collaboration, and setting a forward-looking agenda for the Association in its fourth decade.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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