Staff Reporter:
QUETTA: The National Forum of Information Commissioners convened in Quetta on Wednesday in collaboration with the Center for Peace and Development Initiative, drawing the participation of Chief Information Commissioners from the Federal Government, Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The meeting, attended by officials including Secretary Information Imran Khan and the Director-General of Public Relations (DGPR), Balochistan Mohammad Noor Khetran, aimed to discuss the progress and achievements of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Imran Khan Highlights the Govt’s Commitment
The Federal Information Commission, along with representatives from Punjab, Sindh, and KPK, provided a comprehensive overview of the advancements made under the RTI Act during the meeting. Information Secretary Imran Khan highlighted the Balochistan government’s commitment to establishing an Information Commission under the recently enacted RTI Act 2021. He announced that the Balochistan RTI Act has been duly notified.
DGPR Mohammad Noor Khetran underscored the importance of fostering close ties with Chief Information Commissioners across provinces. CPDI Executive Director, Mukhtar Ahmad Ali acknowledged the successful implementation of RTI laws at the federal level and in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab. However, he pointed out that despite this progress, the Balochistan Information Commission, as outlined in the Balochistan RTI Act 2021, has yet to be established.
Members Discuss Various Aspects Of RTI
Throughout the meeting, members of Information Commissions from various regions discussed aspects of RTI law implementation. Participants unanimously emphasized the urgent need for the immediate establishment of the Balochistan Information Commission in accordance with the Balochistan RTI Act 2021. They stressed the critical importance of ensuring the effective implementation of laws related to access to information. In instances where Public Information Officers have not been appointed, it was emphasized that the heads of the respective institutions are obligated to provide information.
