ISLAMABAD: In a major dent to transparency and people’s right to know, the federal government has almost buried the Freedom of Information law by issuing a directive that allows all the ministries to block any information in the name of “public interest”. The directive, issued last month by the Cabinet Division, gives the federal ministries, […]
ISLAMABAD: Some 13 years after passing legislation guaranteeing its citizens right to information, Pakistan still awaits a comprehensive, progressive law which ensures the right is exercised effectively. With the enactment of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance in 2002, Pakistan became the first country in South Asia to pass legislation on the right to information […]
By: JAMAL SHAHID ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a media briefing on Friday likened the Right to Information law to a ‘silent revolution’ that could expose government offices and help citizens attain their rights. The briefing was organised by the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (Pildat). Pakistan is the first country in South Asia to […]
PESHAWAR: Following a great deal of pressure from the opposition parties, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Thursday incorporated an amendment to bring the provincial assembly within the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act which had previously been omitted when the law was passed in June. The amendment was passed by the assembly in […]
“Freedom of information is a fundamental human right and the touchstone of all the freedoms to which the United Nations is consecrated.” — Resolution 59-1, First session of UN General Assembly in 1946. In 2002, Pakistan became the first country in South Asia to promulgate a Freedom of Information Ordinance, but this law remains weak […]
ISLAMABAD: After a year of restraint over the blatant violation of the Right to Information (RTI) law by the highest constitutional office of the province, the Punjab Information Commission has finally summoned a top official of the Governor House to explain failure in providing information about the financial affairs of the office. The summon dated […]
PESHAWAR: Caring two hoots for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Chairman Imran Khan’s directives, the provincial assembly was adjourned sine die on Thursday without bringing the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2013 back to its original position by including the provincial assembly in the ambit of the RTI law. It is to be mentioned that a […]
PESHAWAR: Caring two hoots for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s Chairman Imran Khan’s directives, the provincial assembly was adjourned sine die on Thursday without bringing the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2013 back to its original position by including the provincial assembly in the ambit of the RTI law. It is to be mentioned that a […]
KARACHI: For a nation to progress, what is most important is accountability – something that is impossible to achieve in the absence of information. For, without accountability, a country cannot hope to develop its state infrastructure. The Sindh Freedom of Information Act, 2006, provides citizens with the opportunity to question and hold accountable bureaucrats and […]
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is an ‘if’ away from grabbing the top global ranking as it can proudly claim to have the best Right to Information (RTI) legislation in the world to promote transparency if the draft RTI Act 2014 is passed into law from parliament. The Canada-based Center for Law and Democracy (CLD) that does international […]
PESHAWAR: Expediting efforts for computerising state records and moving towards e-governance, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has decided to pack up its official website and replace it with a user-friendly, responsive and dynamic web portal. Directorate of Information and Technology officials confirmed the development to The Express Tribune. Project in charge Ghufran Javed said the portal’s security […]
ISLAMABAD: Urging the Sindh government to share the draft of the right to information bill with the public, the Centre of Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) said that the bill should only be presented for cabinet approval after seeking input from all the stakeholders, including the media, civil society groups and citizens. “It is ironic […]
HYDERABAD: Civil society activists pressed for implementing the provincial law that grants the public access to information regarding government functionaries and official documents. The participants at a dialogue on Sunday also pointed out flaws and ambiguities in the Sindh Freedom of Information Act, 2006, which the officials allegedly manipulate to keep information from the people. […]
“Article 19-A has empowered the citizens of Pakistan by making access to information a justiceable right of the People rather than being largesse bestowed by the State at its whim.”………… All State functionaries have to understand that in a very real sense, they are employed in the service of the People of Pakistan and are […]
” 
” 
” 
” 
