Sir: The right to information (RTI) has been accepted as a fundamental human right by the United Nations. In the recent past, Punjab and Sindh governments have enacted legislation to facilitate the general public to have an easy access to the government-held information and records. In many other countries, this practice has resulted in greater transparency, efficiency as well as the eradication of evils of corruption and nepotism. In other words, the citizen’s right to information results in good governance.
This constitutional right of citizens has been elaborated and made more effective by the superior judiciary of Pakistan. The law has proved to be very effective. This type of laws can bring a true change within the existing bureaucratic system and upcoming local bodies. The RTI law if used with discretion may prove to be a game changer for the people belonging to the middle and lower middle classes.
Still there is a lot of work that needs to be done to aware the public about the RTI. The media and social elitists have to inform and educate the masses on how to take full benefit of the RTI. More campaigns must be launched for public awareness about the law.
SHAHRUKH SHABBIR
Islamabad