ISLAMABAD, Oct 2: Federal Ombudsman of Pakistan Naveed Kamran Baloch has been unanimously elected president of the Forum of Pakistan Ombudsman (FPO), succeeding Federal Tax Ombudsman Zafar-ul-Haq Hijazi.
Mr Hijazi, the outgoing FPO president, presided over the meeting attended by federal and provincial ombudsmen, ombudspersons and their representatives. The proceedings were moderated by FPO Executive Secretary Almas Ali Jovindah.
After his election by consensus, Mr Baloch thanked Mr Hijazi and the members for reposing confidence in him. He appreciated the contribution of the outgoing president, saying the Federal Tax Ombudsman had run the Forum effectively and strengthened cooperation among member institutions.
Mr Baloch pledged to further strengthen the FPO, enhance coordination among ombudsman institutions and promote accessible, inexpensive and expeditious redressal of public grievances.
Members congratulated the newly elected president and expressed best wishes for his tenure.
The meeting was attended by Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment Fauzia Viqar, Federal Banking Ombudsman Sirajuddin Aziz, Federal Insurance Ombudsman Syed Mumtaz Ali Shah, Punjab Ombudsperson Najma Afzal Khan, Sindh Ombudsman Muhammad Sohail Rajput, Sindh Ombudsman for Protection Against Harassment of Women Justice Shahnawaz Tariq, AJK Ombudsman Arif Khan Rathore and Balochistan Ombudsperson Tahira Baloch. Representatives of the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan ombudsman offices also attended.
Established in 2011, the FPO provides a common platform for federal and provincial ombudsman institutions to strengthen coordination, improve grievance-redressal mechanisms and promote accountability and good governance.
Mr Baloch took oath as the ninth regular Federal Ombudsman in March 2026. A career civil servant, he has served as Cabinet Secretary, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Secretary, Federal Finance Secretary and Federal Health Secretary, besides holding other senior positions. He has also served as an Executive Director at the World Bank.
