Information draft law sent to governor
LAHORE: The Punjab government on Wednesday sent draft of the freedom of information ordinance to the governor for approval and promulgation.
The draft law was approved by the provincial cabinet a few days ago with the decision to introduce it through an ordinance.
Caretaker chief minister Najam Sethi had decided to enforce it through an ordinance but the then governor had advised him to leave it to the forthcoming elected government to handle the issue.
According to official sources, the nomenclature of the law had now been changed from the Freedom of Information Ordinance to Freedom and Right to Information Ordinance.
It had also been mentioned that the maximum age of the members of the commission meant for enforcement of the law would now be 65 years and they would be appointed for a period of three years.The maximum period of provision of information by any department had been reduced from the earlier 21 days to 14 days.
Officials said the promulgation of the ordinance was the first step towards allowing people to peep into what the government and officials were doing.
In fact, the system would function only after the training of government departments and their officials with regard to maintaining record and sharing the required information with those seeking it.
The commission would also be required to frame its rules about its functioning.
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