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Asian Ombudsman

Association set up

ISLAMABAD: Federal Ombudsman, Mr. Justice (Rtd) Abdul Shakurul Salam on Tuesday announced the formation of Asian Ombudsman Association (AOA).

Briefing the press after the conclusion of First Asian Ombudsman Conference, he said there were different regional ombudsmen associations like North American Ombudsman Association, European Ombudsman Association, Austral Asian Ombudsman Association, but there was no such association in Asia.

The aims and objectives of newly-created AOA as stated by the federal ombudsman are: A) to promote professionalism in discharging the role as ombudsman; B) to facilitate exchange of information that assists in the resolution of problems with ombudsmen in Asia including the assistance in the establishment of new jurisdiction and assistance to newly- appointed ombudsman; C) the Association shall be non-political, democratic and professional; D) the Association will hold meetings annually and the Ombudsman of the host country shall by the Chairman; and E) the Association may involve parliamentarians and members of government in support of oombudsanship.-APP