Daily Times

Despite the presence of access to information laws in Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, very few people have utilised these laws and not many people are even aware of the effectiveness of these laws. Access to government records is crucial for democratic principles to be upheld. Such laws ensure that the government is being transparent, which then ensures accountability of the regime. When people have access to government records, they can grill their rulers for their actions. According to a book, Newsgathering and the Law, access to information is important ‘because the open government is a better government’. In Pakistan, however, many people do know about the legislation but do not have means (be it money, time, or expertise) to request the information. There should be a median to facilitate such people to learn about their government’s actions through filing requests for information. Another group of people does not know about the existence of the access to information laws. In the scenario of underutilisation of the law, the one main sector which should educate the people about the importance of the open government through access to information is the press.

Sadly to say that the press in Pakistan has yet to tap the potential of the easy access to information. The standard of reporting has not improved much as reporters’ tendency to rely on ‘sources’ refuses to die down. They can make their reports more credible and authentic if they are based on authentic and verified data. The values of access to information work for the development of participatory democracy.

Pakistan’s seven ombudsman offices and their mandates, relevance, efficiency, and effectiveness of the federal and (three) provincial ombudsmen have not been fully analysed. Their service delivery is limited to the extent of users’ satisfaction with services, perceptions of corruption, and outcomes associated with the Millennium Development Goals. Ombudsman’s role in public service delivery was introduced as a contribution to the long route of accountability, through which citizens’ voice could impact policymakers and politicians.

Among other institutions, the Punjab Information Commission has also been working to ensure the implementation of the right to information laws. The watchdog has powers to summon the officers accused of hindering laws, investigate complaints against them and penalise them. The World Bank’s World Development Report 2004 – Making Services Work for Poor People- points out that successful service requires relationships in which clients can monitor and discipline the providers. The Punjab Information Commission and ombudsperson need to work on these points for effective delivery of information and the greater transparency for improved governance. *