Govt urged to address delay in strengthening information commissions

Islamabad:The Coalition on Right to Information (CRTI), a network of 39 civil society organizations working to protect and promote citizens' right to information, has expressed serious concern over the prolonged vacancies in key positions within federal and provincial information commissions.

CRTI has urged the respective governments to take immediate steps to ensure the effective functioning of these commissions, which are mandated to uphold the fundamental right to information under Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Coalition says that despite repeated calls for action, key positions in multiple information commissions remain unfilled, impacting their ability to operate efficiently. Representing the point of view of the civil society, Mukhtar Ahmad Ali, Executive Director of the CPDI, said that, "The delays in appointing key officials to information commissions undermine transparency and accountability efforts”.

He also stated “federal and provincial governments need to take immediate actions to fill these vacancies and ensure the commissions are fully functional." The statement says that the position of the civil society member has been vacant since January 20, 2024, leaving the Commission incomplete for over a year. Without a third member, decision-making is at risk of deadlock, affecting the timely resolution of appeals.

The post of Chief Information Commissioner in Punjab has remained vacant since May 29, 2024. The absence of leadership for over eight months has significantly undermined the Commission’s credibility and effectiveness. Similarly, the third member, a civil society representative as mandated under Section 12(6)(b) of the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016, has not been appointed since January 2024, resulting in a year-long delay in fulfilling the Commission’s statutory composition.

While the Government of Balochistan has appointed two Information Commissioners under the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021, the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner remains pending. Additionally, the Commission faces severe administrative and financial constraints, including a lack of deputed staff, operational resources, and adequate budgetary support.

Aftab Alam, ED of IRADA and member of CRTI has remarked that "The fundamental right to information is compromised by vacant commissioner positions in Information Commissions. Filling these seats is crucial to ensure citizens' access and confidence in this right, as guaranteed by the Constitution."