Information denied

After over a decade since their introduction, the effective implementation of right to information (RTI) laws in Pakistan remains elusive. Achieving the true objectives of RTI legislation seems like a distant dream as even their basic enforcement has yet to take proper shape. This has allowed bureaucracy to dominate the governance process while diminishing the efficacy of civil society's efforts to ensure accountability and transparency in public affairs. Appeals filed with information commissions are often left pending for months, well beyond the legally stipulated time frames. This delay dissuades many citizens from pursuing their cases, leading them to abandon their appeals in frustration.

In some cases, appeals are dismissed without notifying the applicants, further eroding trust in the system. Based on personal experience, I can confidently state that 2024 has not been a productive year for the enforcement of RTI laws in Pakistan. In fact, the performance of information commissions has deteriorated further. It is essential to appoint individuals from civil society or seasoned RTI activists as information commissioners. Such appointments would strengthen the commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.

Naeem Ahmad

Faisalabad