News Desk
LAHORE, May 27, 2024
The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) held a significant session to discuss and review the Punjab Right to Information (RTI) Act 2013. The event gathered key stakeholders and experts to provide insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.
Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Executive Director of CPDI, opened the session by emphasizing the importance of incorporating critical recommendations into the Punjab RTI Act 2013 to improve its effectiveness and reach. He highlighted the need for strong legislative measures to guarantee the right to information for all citizens, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
Mr. Ahmed Iqbal, Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA), praised CPDI’s ongoing efforts in promoting good governance. He pledged his support for initiatives aimed at improving transparency and accountability through the RTI Act, stressing the importance of such reforms in strengthening democratic processes.
Former Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of Punjab, Mr. Mehboob Qadir Shah, provided an in-depth review of CPDI’s recommendations. Drawing from his extensive experience, Mr. Shah identified key areas for improvement and offered practical solutions to address existing challenges.
RTI Advisor to CPDI, Mr. Zahid Abdullah, presented a detailed analysis of specific areas such as the definition of public bodies and the tenure of Commissioners. He stressed the necessity for clear and precise legislation to avoid ambiguities and ensure the smooth functioning of the RTI framework.
Advocate Shahid Baghoor suggested empowering sessions courts at theover district level to hear complaints from applicants, arguing that this would make the RTI process more accessible and efficient for citizens. Ms. Iram Shahzadi, Law Officer at the Home Department, emphasized the importance of not only improving the law but also ensuring its strict implementation.
Advocate Asad Jamal contributed his opinions on various aspects of CPDI’s recommendations, adding depth to the discussion and highlighting the complexities involved in legislative reforms. Advocate Imran Javed Qureshi recommended reducing the period for providing information, asserting that quicker access to information would significantly benefit the public and foster transparency.
Mr. Nauman Nazir, Assistant Director of the Punjab Information Commission (PIC), provided his perspective on enhancing the RTI Act, sharing practical suggestions based on his experience to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
The session featured active engagement from various participants who offered their views and feedback on CPDI’s recommendations. This collaborative dialogue showcased diverse perspectives and potential improvements to the RTI framework.
Mr. Ahmed Iqbal, MPA, reiterated his full support for improving the RTI Act, emphasizing the importance of legislative reforms in promoting good governance. He assured participants of his commitment to advocating for these changes at the legislative ward level.
The session concluded with Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ali thanking all participants for their valuable contributions. He expressed gratitude for the collective efforts aimed at enhancing the Punjab RTI Act 2013. The event ended with a group photo, symbolizing the unified commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
This session marked a significant step towards strengthening the RTI framework in Punjab, demonstrating a collective effort to enhance transparency and accountability in governance. CPDI remains dedicated to advocating for robust legislative measures to ensure the right to information for all citizens.