OIC Ombudsman Association

The Provincial Ombudsperson Punjab, Dr. Najma Afzal Khan, a member institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), called on the Federal Tax Ombudsman of Pakistan and Secretary General of OICOA, Mr. Zafar Hijazi, at the Federal Tax Ombudsman Secretariat in Islamabad.

The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to discuss avenues for strengthening ombudsman institutions across Pakistan and enhancing collaboration between federal and provincial offices.

During the engagement, discussions focused on improving coordination, sharing best practices, and promoting effective mechanisms for public grievance redress. Both leaders emphasized the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing transparency, accountability, and citizen-centered service delivery.

Mr. Zafar Hijazi highlighted the role of the Federal Tax Ombudsman Office in addressing tax-related grievances and promoting fairness in the tax system, while also reaffirming OICOA’s commitment to supporting member institutions through collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Dr. Najma Afzal Khan underscored the importance of strengthening institutional linkages to improve efficiency and responsiveness in addressing public complaints, particularly in areas related to governance and service delivery.

The meeting reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of ombudsman institutions in Pakistan and promoting good governance practices, in line with OICOA’s mission.

The Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr. Hassan Tariq, a Board Member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), participated in the opening session of the 8th International Conference on Management and Finance, held on 27–28 April 2026 at the Faculty of Law and Economic Sciences in Rabat.

The conference, organized under the theme “Governance of Public Facilities in the Era of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence,” brought together academics, experts, and institutional leaders to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in public sector governance.

The opening session was attended by prominent academic and institutional figures, including Mr. Omar Hanish, Dean of the Faculty and Director of the Multidisciplinary Center for Good Performance and Competitiveness; Mr. Ahmed Ajoun, Dean of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences in Kenitra and President of the Moroccan Society for Administrative Law and Administrative Sciences; Mr. Nazir Al-Moumani from the General Law Division; Mr. Abdul Fattah Balkhal, Head of the Research Team on Administrative and Financial Performance; Mrs. Jamila Delmy, Vice President of the Moroccan Public Finance Association; and Professor Omar Al-Asri, Coordinator of the conference and Head of the Master’s Program in Public Finance Management.

During the session, discussions focused on enhancing governance of public institutions in light of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, and the need to strengthen performance, transparency, and efficiency in public administration.

The participation of the Mediator of the Kingdom highlights the institution’s commitment to engaging with academic and research platforms to promote good governance, accountability, and innovation in public service delivery.

This engagement aligns with OICOA’s mission to foster knowledge exchange, strengthen institutional capacity, and support member institutions in addressing contemporary governance challenges.

The Mediator of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Gaoussou Touré, a member institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), participated in the Rotary International District Conference on Peace held on 24 April 2026.

The conference, organized under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Peace,” brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting peace, dialogue, and social cohesion.

During the event, the Mediator highlighted the essential role of the institution in fostering social harmony through dialogue, active listening, conflict prevention, and strengthening the relationship between citizens and public administration.

Mr. Touré emphasized that the work of the Mediator contributes to the peaceful management of differences and the consolidation of coexistence within society. He reiterated the institution’s commitment to promoting sustainable peace grounded in inclusion, cooperation, and trust among institutional and social actors.

His participation in the conference underscores the importance of mediation as a key mechanism for building resilient and peaceful societies.

This engagement reflects Côte d’Ivoire’s continued commitment to strengthening social cohesion and promoting good governance, in line with OICOA’s mission to support peace, accountability, and citizen-centered institutions.

The Ombudsman of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sabina Aliyeva, a Board Member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), conducted a public reception for applicants in Baku on 23–24 April 2026, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to direct citizen engagement.

During the reception, Ms. Aliyeva met applicants individually, ensuring confidentiality and providing an opportunity for detailed discussion of their concerns. Immediate measures were taken on-site to resolve certain issues, while cases requiring further examination were noted for follow-up.

The Ombudsman emphasized that such matters would be closely monitored, with relevant state authorities engaged to ensure their resolution in accordance with applicable legislation.

Citizens were also provided with legal advice and guidance, enhancing their understanding of available remedies and institutional procedures. The Ombudsman Office further highlighted its accessible complaint submission channels, including the 24/7 “916” Call Center, email, postal services, fax, and social media platforms.

This initiative reflects Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accessibility, transparency, and efficiency in addressing public grievances, while reinforcing trust between citizens and public institutions.

The engagement aligns with OICOA’s mission to promote accountability, good governance, and citizen-centered service delivery among its member institutions.

The Ombudsperson Punjab, Dr. Najma Afzal Khan, a member institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), participated in a seminar held at the Ayub Agriculture Research Institute (AARI), Faisalabad, focusing on the protection of women against workplace harassment.

During her address, Dr. Khan highlighted the importance of ensuring safe, respectful, and inclusive working environments for women across all sectors. She emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward workplace harassment and called for strict adherence to legal frameworks designed to protect women.

She also underscored the legal rights of working women under The Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2010 (as amended in 2012), stressing the need for awareness and effective implementation of the law.

Dr. Khan encouraged institutions to establish strong internal mechanisms, promote awareness, and foster a culture of respect and dignity in workplaces to safeguard female employees.

The seminar provided an important platform for dialogue on gender equality and workplace safety, reinforcing the role of institutions in ensuring justice, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights.

This initiative reflects the commitment of the Ombudsperson Punjab to advancing women’s rights and promoting safe work environments, in line with OICOA’s mission to support good governance and the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab, a member institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), successfully conducted the 6th batch of its staff training program on 20–21 April 2026.

The training sessions were designed to enhance institutional capacity and improve service delivery through knowledge sharing by senior officers across key operational areas.

Mr. Sami Ullah, Advisor for Finance & Procurement and IT Infrastructure & Development, delivered comprehensive sessions on financial management and IT systems, emphasizing efficiency and modernization in institutional processes.

Mr. Muhammad Omer Saeed, Deputy Director (Admin & Transport), provided insights into core administrative functions, while Ms. Sidra Arshad, Deputy Director (Procurement & Development), conducted detailed sessions on procurement procedures and best practices.

Mr. Yasir Abbas, Accounts Officer, shared practical knowledge on accounts management, focusing on accuracy, compliance, and financial discipline. Additionally, Mr. Nadeem Hassan Gohar, Registrar, guided participants on the institutional mandate and complaint handling mechanisms, highlighting the importance of responsiveness and citizen-centric service delivery.

The training program reflects the Ombudsman Punjab’s commitment to continuous professional development, ensuring that its staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve the public.

This initiative aligns with OICOA’s mission to strengthen institutional capacity, promote efficiency, and enhance governance across its member institutions.

The Ombudsman of Justice of Mozambique, Mr. Isaque Chande, a member institution of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA), delivered a lecture to students at the University IRIS (UNIRIS) in Pemba, Cabo Delgado Province, focusing on the role of the Ombudsman in consolidating the democratic rule of law.

The session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of their role in promoting respect for the law, protecting fundamental rights and freedoms, and contributing to the dignity of individuals within society.

During the lecture, Mr. Chande highlighted that the Ombudsman Institution plays a vital role in ensuring that public administration is responsive, fair, and effective in addressing citizens’ concerns. He emphasized that while governance direction lies with the government, the Ombudsman ensures oversight and accountability in administrative actions.

He further explained that the institution contributes to promoting good governance by safeguarding citizens’ rights, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, and enhancing efficiency and equity in public service delivery.

Mr. Chande also noted the Ombudsman’s role in monitoring the constitutionality of laws and legality of government actions, reinforcing the principle of separation of powers and preventing arbitrary use of authority.

The Ombudsman emphasized that the institution serves as a bridge between citizens and the state, receiving complaints, initiating investigations, and issuing recommendations aimed at improving administrative practices and ensuring justice.

The engagement underscores the importance of academic outreach in strengthening awareness of governance mechanisms and encouraging youth participation in building a democratic society.

This initiative aligns with OICOA’s mission to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement across its member institutions.

The Chairman of the Administrative Control Authority of Libya, Mr. Abdullah Qaderbouh, held a high-level meeting with the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the State, Dr. Mohamed Takala, on 27 April 2026 in Tripoli to review progress on the National Strategic Plan for Performance Monitoring, Combating and Prevention of Corruption (2025–2030).

The meeting focused on evaluating the implementation of the national strategy and reinforcing efforts to promote good governance, enhance transparency, and improve performance efficiency across state institutions.

During the session, participants reviewed the Administrative Control Authority’s annual reports (54–55) for the years 2024–2025, which highlighted key supervisory activities and achievements in strengthening administrative and financial discipline across various sectors.

Discussions also addressed updates on the State’s Final Accounts File for the third phase, including monitoring measures, observations, and recommendations issued by the Authority. These efforts aim to improve public financial management, ensure greater accuracy and transparency in financial reporting, and establish a more stable and disciplined fiscal environment.

Dr. Mohamed Takala commended the work of the Administrative Control Authority, noting that its efforts in managing the final accounts file have contributed to creating conditions conducive to the unification of the national budget, thereby supporting financial stability and sustainable policy development.

Both sides emphasized the vital role of the Administrative Control Authority in advancing comprehensive reforms, combating corruption, and strengthening public trust in state institutions.

This engagement reflects Libya’s ongoing commitment to promoting accountability, transparency, and effective governance, in line with the mission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Ombudsman Association (OICOA).