Maps
Magazine

LEGAL

Report Highlights Poor Implementation of Right to Information Act in Pakistan's Federal Ministries
A recent report shows most federal ministries in Pakistan are failing to implement the Right to Information Act, contributing to the spread of misinformation.
ND
by News Desk
2025-01-07
Report Highlights Poor Implementation of Right to Information Act in Pakistan's Federal Ministries

A recent report by the Freedom Network (FAFN) has raised concerns over the inadequate implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act across federal ministries in Pakistan. The report highlights that many federal ministries have failed to meet the legal requirements to release information of public importance, contributing to widespread misinformation.

The FAFN’s review of 44 divisions from 33 ministries revealed a worrying trend of non-compliance, particularly in fulfilling the obligations set forth in Section 5 of the RTI Act, which mandates government departments to proactively provide information that is in the public’s interest.

Among the divisions reviewed, the report found that only a small percentage of departments had fully implemented the provisions of the RTI Act. For example, the Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection Division showed a dismal 8 percent implementation rate, while other divisions, including Information and Health, managed only 19 percent compliance. The Cabinet and Inter-Provincial Division fared slightly better with 42 percent implementation, while key ministries such as Petroleum, Revenue, and Interior showed 38 percent compliance.

The overall findings suggest that the federal ministries have made minimal progress in ensuring transparency and access to public information, which is essential for an informed citizenry. FAFN emphasized that this lack of implementation is contributing to the spread of baseless and misleading information, ultimately undermining public trust in government institutions.

The Right to Information Act, passed in 2017, was designed to promote transparency, reduce corruption, and allow citizens to hold government entities accountable. However, the slow pace of its implementation across key ministries raises serious concerns about the commitment of the federal government to ensure transparency and open governance.

FAFN's report calls for urgent action from the government to strengthen the implementation of the RTI Act, particularly in the ministries that have shown the least progress. The organization also urges the federal government to invest in the necessary infrastructure and training to support the full implementation of the law.

With misinformation and lack of transparency becoming major challenges for governance, the report underscores the need for the government to fulfill its legal obligations under the RTI Act and ensure that citizens have access to the information that affects their lives.
Tagged:

PakistanGovernment

Transparency

RTI

FreedomOfInformation
Share News: