Journalists urged to use RTI for investigative reporting

LAHORE:The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2013 for promoting transparency in the working of provincial authorities by securing citizens' access to information.

A two-day seminar was concluded by the Friedrich Nauman Foundation for Freedom (FNF-Pakistan) on Sunday. The main objective of the seminar was to capacitate journalists on the use of Right to Information laws for investigative reporting and countering fake news.

While addressing the participants, M Anwar, Head of Programmes and Administration of FNF Pakistan, said journalists can promote investigative journalism through the use of RTI. This ultimately strengthens the credibility of their news stories, he further added. While sharing the legislative landscape of RTI in Pakistan, Syed Raza Ali, Programme Manager of FNF Pakistan, said access to information is guaranteed under Article 19A of the Constitution and explained there are five RTI laws in Pakistan. He described, being the 4th pillar of democracy, journalists are the representatives of the people in terms of using RTI Act for investigating and publicizing information of public interest. Accessing information through RTI Act, young journalists, can contribute to ensuring transparency in public, professional, and social spheres. Provincial public bodies are legally bound to provide the requested information within 14 working days under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. In case the public bodies fail to provide the requested information, citizens can lodge complaints before the Punjab Information Commission, Ali added. The Punjab Information Commission is an independent appellate authority that has the power to direct, summon, and penalise officials who obstruct the flow of information. While talking about critical thinking to counter fake news, it is important for every journalist to know how to check facts and report, said Mr Ubaid Ur Rehman, a rights activist. Saeed Akhtar Ansari, former information commissioner of the Punjab Information Commission said, journalists should exercise their right of access to information for investigative stories. Uzma Kardar, MPA, while concluding remarks urged journalists to use RTI tool for countering fake news.