Message of the Chief Information Commissioner

The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 was adopted and enacted by the people of Pakistan through their representatives in the National Assembly of Pakistan. Article 19-A of this constitution provides that every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulations and reasonable restrictions imposed by law. Accordingly, in deference to this provision the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 was passed as an Act of Majlis-e-Shura (Parliament) which received the assent of the President on 12 Oct 2017. This Act provides for the right of access to information in a transparent and effective manner and reflects the belief of the Government in transparency and right of people to have access to information relating to records held by public authorities. The Act aim at promoting the purpose of making the Government more accountable to its people and improving their participation in public affairs. This leads to dividends relating to national interest by reducing corruption, inefficiency, promoting sound economic growth, good governance and respect for human rights.

The Act vide its Section 19(2) (c) obligates the Pakistan Information Commission to compile a comprehensive bi-annual report containing necessary details regarding the implementation of Act. This report is required to be laid before the Parliament.

The report in hand contains details of activities and efforts made to meet the requirements as enshrined in the preamble of the Act. This report will also include efforts made to empower citizens by meeting their right of access to information. The report also includes details about information requests, public bodies, filed before the commission and their disposal.

The job is not easy but with firm determination and commitment, we are moving forward to meet the objectives of the law framers. We are not getting constrained by constraints and undertake to keep moving for promoting better governance, accountability, and transparency leading to a vibrant and stronger Pakistan.