Karachi: Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 was passed by Sindh Assembly in March 2017 for promoting transparency in working of provincial authorities by securing citizens' access to information. An orientation session was organised by Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) in collaboration with Karachi Press Club (KPC) and Sindh Information Commission (SIC).

Objective of session was to orientate journalists on use of Right to Information law for investigative reporting. RTI is considered milestone for ensuring accountability and transparency in public bodies. Being 4th pillar of democracy, journalists are representative of people in terms of using RTI Act for investigating and publicising information of public interest.

Through RTI Act especially young journalists can contribute to ensure transparency in public, professional and social spheres. However, RTI is considered best tool for investigative journalism said Zahid Abdullah, RTI Advisor of CPDI and former Information Commissioner of Pakistan Information Commission.

Shahid Abbas Jatoi Information Commissioner of SIC said that Commission is facilitating citizens in getting information that is guaranteed under Article 19-A of Constitution and Sindh RTI Act. Commission received 105 complaints from June 2022, 6 were resolved and on remaining complaints notices were issued to relevant departments, he added.

Mazhar Abbas senior Journalist stressed that journalists to use RTI for investigative stories. Use of RTI will not only help journalists get certified data but also increase authenticity of journalistic stories. He said, Pakistan Information Commission is dysfunctional since November 2022 due to completion of tenure of information commissioners and demanded federal government must appoint PIC commissioners without further delay. Number of journalists and civil society activists attended session.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 19 2022

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