Karachi, June 27, 2024 – Pakistan Information Commission, in collaboration with the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), successfully conducted an extensive training session on the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 for Public Information Officers (PIOs) at the Luxury Beach Hotel in Karachi. The session aimed to enhance the understanding and implementation of the Act, ensuring transparency and accountability within public institutions.
The event was graced by several eminent speakers and experts in the field of information and transparency. Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, the Chief Information Commissioner, delivered the welcome remarks and introduction, emphasizing the critical role of the Right to Information in promoting good governance and informed citizenry.
The training session covered various crucial aspects of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017. Mr. Mukhtar Ahmad Ali, Executive Director of CPDI and Former Information Commissioner emphasized,”proactive disclosure of information helps in building public trust and decreases number of complaints”.
Mr. Irfan Bashir, Acting Registrar of the Pakistan Information Commission, provided practical insights into the procedure for filing and deciding information requests, pointing out common mistakes made by PIOs. He said,”it is necessary to deal withinformation requests effectively and in compliance with the Act”. One of the participant PIO raised valid point that he has attended many proceedings of Pakistan Informaiton Commission but still the correspondence is sent to previous designated PIO and not to him. This is one of the major causes of delay.
The afternoon session, led by Mr. Ijaz Hassan Awan, Information Commissioner, focused on the functions and powers of the Commission and the appeal procedures. This was followed by an engaging group work activity, where participants discussed challenges in the implementation of the Act and suggested improvements.
The presence of Mr. Noor Ali, Information Officer from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, underscored the ministry’s commitment to the effective implementation of the Right of Access to Information Act. His participation highlighted the crucial role that the ministry plays in fostering a culture of transparency and openness in public institutions.
The training concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui as he said,”By strengthening the capacity of PIOs, the PIC aims to promote transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement across all levels of government. This is a global practice and we should not be reluctant in sharing information to public”. At the end, Certificates were distributed to the participants, marking the successful completion of the training.
