LAHORE (Special Correspondent): Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with Pakistan
Information Commission organized training workshop for Public Information Officers (PIOs)
on the implementation of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, with a special focus
on Section 5 – Proactive Disclosure, on Monday, May 26, 2025, at the Avari Hotel, Lahore.
The training was a part of ongoing efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability, and the
right to information laws in Pakistan.
Public Information Officers from various federal government departments participated in the
training workshop. During the workshop, Mr. Awais Nawaz, Additional Secretary Culture,
Department of Information and Culture, Government of Punjab, emphasized the importance of
access to information as a constitutional right and an essential element of democratic
governance, and urged the participants to play a central role in good governance practice.
Whereas, Mr. Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui, Chief Information Commissioner, Pakistan Information
Commission, briefed the participants on the Pakistan Information Commission’s mandate,
challenges, and achievements in implementing RTI across federal bodies. He stressed the
central role of PIOs in ensuring that citizens can exercise their right to access information as
guaranteed under the Act. He noted that as a custodian of the Federal Right of Access to
Information Act 2017, the Commission ensures that the fundamental right under Article 19-A
of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is protected.
Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director of Transparency International Pakistan underlined the
significance of proactive disclosure in minimizing information asymmetry between the
government institutions and citizens, and improving public service delivery. He highlighted the
need to strengthening civic voices for good governance and emphasized transparency,
accountability, and citizen inclusion as essential pillars for achieving stronger democratic
institutions.
Dr. Mehboob Qadir, former Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Information
Commission, provided a comprehensive explanation of the key provisions of the Right of
Access to Information Act, 2017, and discussed the statutory obligations on public bodies to
facilitate transparency. He further explained the RTI 2017, with a deep dive into the Right of
Access to Information Act, 2017. Dr. Qadir, unpacked key legal provisions and government
obligations, highlighting the law as a tool for citizen empowerment. While, Mr. Ijaz Hassan
Awan, Information Commissioner, Pakistan Information Commission, addressed the scope of
access to information and explained the key exemptions provided under the law, aiming to
clarify misconceptions and promote lawful implementation.
Mr. Muhammad Malik Bhulla, Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Information
Commission, shared critical insights on the implementation of the Right of Access to
Information Act, 2013, in Punjab. He highlighted that the role of the Commission is to ensure
compliance, empower citizens, and promote a culture where information flow is proactive.
Moving on Mr. Kashif Ali elaborated in detail the concept of proactive disclosure, detailing
different types of information which must be made publicly available without formal requests, and how public bodies can institutionalize proactive disclosure practices to meet legal
requirements and enhance public trust.
Participants actively engaged in Q&A sessions and discussions throughout the event, sharing
experiences and identifying practical challenges faced in the field. The exchange of insights
contributed to a deeper understanding of both the legal and operational dimensions of access
to information.
In the end, Mr Muhammad Naeem Khan, Director, Legislation & Parliamentary Affairs, Law
and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Punjab, commended the efforts of the
organisers and participants in promoting transparency and good governance practice. He also
thanked TI Pakistan for organizing the training workshop.
The training also featured contributions from key officials, including the Punjab Information
Commission; Dr. Muhammad Anwar Gondal, Deputy Prosecutor, Government of Punjab; and
Ms. Bushra Saqib, Information Commissioner, Punjab Information Commission. Their insights
enriched the discussions, providing practical perspectives on the enforcement of the right to
information and the challenges faced by public bodies in ensuring compliance.