On September 28, we observed the International Day for Universal Access to Information. This day serves as a reminder of the vital role that access to information plays in building strong democracies around the world. In Pakistan, the Right to Information Act, enacted in 2017, was a significant step forward, aimed at empowering citizens by providing them access to information held by the government. This legislation was designed to promote open governance and enable the public to hold their leaders accountable for their actions. However, the implementation of the RTI Act has faced serious obstacles, undermining its intended purpose.
Many citizens are still unaware of their rights under this law or find it difficult to navigate the bureaucratic processes involved in accessing information. Moreover, there have been numerous instances where the government has failed to provide access to crucial information that is of public interest. As we mark this important day, it is crucial for Pakistan to fully embrace and enforce the RTI Act. This requires not only a commitment from the government but also active participation from civil society and citizens.
Wasif Khaliq Dad
Rawalpindi