ISLAMABAD’:

The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has called for the standardization of information and accessibility features across parliamentary websites, calling it a crucial step to improve their usability and transparency.

In its report titled ‘Parliamentary Transparency and Openness in Pakistan’, the network stressed that the reforms were essential not only to improve public engagement in parliamentary processes, but also as a safeguard against the spread of disinformation that undermines democratic institutions.

It pointed out that while parliamentary websites in Pakistan have evolved into vibrant hubs of up-to-date information, often surpassing the websites of many federal ministries and departments, they still show significant differences in transparency, accessibility and user-friendliness.

“Some platforms provide comprehensive legislative information, while others do not meet even minimum standards. These inconsistencies limit public access to critical information and exacerbate the risk of misinformation and disinformation in an already polarized political environment,” the report noted.

Furthermore, it noted that a robust digital presence of legislatures aligns with Pakistan’s broader digital transition agenda and the government’s e-governance goals, as outlined in successive development plans.

FAFEN urged parliamentary leadership across all legislatures to develop and adopt common standards for the accessibility and presentation of information on their websites.

“These standards should emphasize increased transparency, user-friendly design, and improved citizen engagement, enabling the public to access timely, accurate, and comprehensive regulatory information.”