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A delegation from the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab with Mr. Marino Fardelli during the conference
Ms. Ayesha Hamid, Ombudsman Punjab and First Vice President of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) / Asian Regional Director, headed a delegation from the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab to attend the International Conference of Ombudsman in Rome, Italy, from 27 to 29 May 2026.
The conference, convened under the auspices of the Ombudsman of the Lazio Region, brought together Ombudsman institutions and representatives from around the world to discuss matters concerning civic protection, the promotion of fundamental rights, good governance, and the strengthening of democratic institutions. The event provided a valuable platform for the exchange of experiences, best practices, and new methodologies in complaint resolution, institutional advancement, and public service delivery.
At the conference, Ms. Ayesha Hamid presented on "Law Meets Technology: Transforming Governance, Accountability and Justice through Innovation," emphasizing the Office of the Ombudsman Punjab's efforts to leverage technology to enhance access to justice and citizen services. She highlighted significant institutional accomplishments, such as:
- The OPMIS Complaint Management system and mobile applications
- The 24/7 Helpline 1050
- Mobile Outreach Complaint Vans for remote communities
- The establishment of a results-oriented complaint management framework via OPMIS
She emphasized the Office's attainment of ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System's (QMS) Certification, marking it as the inaugural Ombudsman institution in Pakistan to achieve this international standard and underscoring its dedication to service excellence, transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric governance.
A memorable moment of the conference was the meeting with Pope Leo XIV's General Audience at the Vatican, which emphasized the value of communication, justice, human dignity, and public confidence in democratic institutions. The Italian Parliament's Chamber of Deputies hosted conference sessions that bolstered international cooperation within the ombudsmanship community and promoted significant involvement among Ombudsman institutions.
The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab's participation improved its standing internationally and established institutional ties with other Ombudsman offices and global networks. In addition to contributing to conversations about the changing role of Ombudsman institutions in fostering accountability, transparency, and the defense of citizens' rights in the digital age, it offered a useful platform to highlight Punjab's achievements in digital governance, quality management, citizen engagement, and institutional innovation.
Source: The Office of the Provincial Ombudsman Punjab, Pakistan
