The Office of the Ombudsman Punjab recently participated in an international webinar delivered by Mr. Klaas Vansteenkiste, Forensic Auditor, Centre Intégrité Centrum Integriteit (MedfedOmb), Federal Ombudsman Belgium, centred on Belgium’s landmark whistle blower protection legislation and the evolving role of ombudsman institutions in safeguarding those who speak truth to power. The session was attended by Ms. Ayesha Hamid, Ombudsman Punjab, Secretary Mr. Kaiser Saleem, and all Advisors from the Head Office and Regional Offices.

Mr. Vansteenkiste outlined the Belgian Federal Ombudsman’s dual mandate, handling complaints about federal public services and managing whistle blower reports for both public and private sectors. Belgium enacted two landmark laws in 2022 covering both the public and private sectors, addressing breaches across key areas including public procurement, financial fraud, and consumer protection. The framework provides internal, external, and public disclosure making anonymous reporting permissible.

Acting as a federal coordinator across 29 competent authorities, the Belgian Federal Ombudsman receives reports, assesses their admissibility, and directs them to the relevant authority for investigation. Whistle blowers facing retaliation receive immediate extra-judicial protection, with sanctions for violators ranging from heavy fines to imprisonment of up to three years. Private sector whistleblowing reports tripled from 2023 to 2025, rising from approximately 200 to over 600.

(Mr. Klaas Vansteenkiste, Forensic Auditor, Centre Intégrité Centrum Integriteit (MedfedOmb), Federal Ombudsman Belgium, briefing the session)

Ms. Ayesha Hamid, Ombudsman Punjab, engaged Mr. Vansteenkiste with pointed questions on the verification of anonymous complaints, the risk of false reporting and whether all 29 competent authorities operate with equal powers and jurisdiction. In her closing remarks, Ms. Ayesha Hamid noted the Office’s intention to review the existing Punjab Ombudsman Act to identify any gaps or limitations in light of the Belgian experience.