Islamabad:
Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has called for reforms to tackle gaps in the implementation of Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act (PTRIA) 2013.
In a political map entitled “Strengthening the RTI frame in Punjab”, FAFEN urges close cooperation between the Punjab Assembly, Punjab Information Commission and civil society to transform PTRIA’s promise into practice.
The policy briefing is part of the fafen’s “Moding Disinformation Through Information” campaign.
As Pakistan struggles with growing disinformation that often burns political polarization, it is crucial to strengthen the RTI frameworks from restoring public confidence and ensuring fair access to information.
Hailed as a progressive law, Ptria faces implementation challenges that are rooted in the legal ambiguities and institutional weakness.
Fafen’s assessments of its implementation reveal that about 80 percent of public departments were unclear about their obligation to publish annual observations under PTRI, while a majority of public bodies did not respond to FAF’s information requests within legally stipulated response time.
The political short emphasize critical legal and operational challenges, including discretionary control of the provincial government over the appointment and removal of information commissioners and the budget distribution to PIC.
In addition, vague or lack of definition of key expressions such as “working days” and “public body”, the arbitrary interpretation that may undermine the spirit of the law.
In addition, the absence of standardized registration formats, underdeveloped digital complaints management mechanisms and inadequate protection of privacy for applicants weaken further enforcement of the law.
To tackle these issues, FAFEN proposes changes to PTRIA, including clearer definitions to cover private entities receiving public funds and government contracts, protection measures for alerts and regulations for anonymous RTI applications.
The short calls on the Punjab assembly to establish a top -art committee to appoint information commissioners and create an independent fund to ensure the Commission’s financial autonomy.
It also recommends that the Commission also give the Commission the opportunity to issue binding directives on record management, conduct inspections and adopt a five-year strategic plan to institutionalize transparency.
FAFEN emphasizes the role of technology and also recommends a functional online complaint system and standardized digital revelations to improve accessibility.
Persistent public campaigns via media and community engagement are proposed to educate citizens and officials on RTI rights and obligations.
