Fafen urges reforms in RTI framework to counter disinformation

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ISLAMABAD: The Free and Fair Election Network (Fafin) has called on the government to consider comprehensive legal reforms to strengthen the implementation of the right to access the Information Act 2017.

Released on Sunday, Fafin’s policy briefly, “strengthening the right of information in Pakistan (RTI)”, emphasizes that when Pakistan’s RTI framework goes to a highly progressive, institution. Recognized as one of the procedures of connecting, vague legal provisions, and weak implementation. Translation of the goals of the law into government transparency.

The absence of timely information about measures, decisions and costs by public institutions destabilizes false information and unknown information. Fafin is convinced that strengthening the RTI legal framework will be an important task in trying to counter unknown information by the government, which is deepening political polarization in the country.

As part of its ongoing “confrontation of individuality through information”, Fafin has already reviewed the websites of federal ministries and divisions, and a lower level with the RTI Act, 2017 provisions Has complied. Similar reviews continue. Provincial departments.

Fafin believes that the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) will enable maximum freedom and powers to effectively enforce the provisions of law on public institutions, which increases government transparency and unknown information related to them. It is very important to increase.

In its policy briefing, Fafin has called on Parliament to eliminate ambiguity and reinforce the RTI legal framework and to guide the Enforcement efforts rather than simply served as an appellate forum. Empower C.

Explanation of clear deadlines for active revelations in the proposed amendments and digitalization, expanding the scope of public records, reforming the appointment and removal of information commissioners, and compliance with public institutions on act requirements. To order to do. .

The Fafin recommends a more consultative approach to the appointment and elimination of the Information Commissioners through a bilateral parliamentary committee that has an equal representation of treasury and opposition.

It will enable them to act as a more effective surveillance by removing these responsibilities from executive control and ensuring the commission’s financial independence through amendments to Section 21.

Fafin’s policy also emphasizes the need to move on public institutions simply by posting raw data online. Instead, it suggests the PIC to set up standard, user -friendly record -keeping formats and methods, including the search for a searching database, clear summary, and the intuitive indicators to enhance access.

In addition, Fafin has recommended regular exchange exchange and establish a procedure to adopt national excellent methods to accelerate progress towards the goals of RTI laws. By developing an online platform to file and track public information requests and complaints, taking advantage of technology will facilitate citizens in RTI exercise.

Fafin has identified the RTI’s fundamental role in promoting informed citizens and eliminating the confidence deficit between the state and society. It has acknowledged the progress of Pakistan’s legislation since 2002, which includes the recognition of the RTI as a fundamental right in 2010, and its subsequent federal and provincial laws. However, a recent Fafin review has revealed that federal agencies have revealed only 42 % of the necessary information, highlighting a completely disconnection between legal intentions and practical enforcement.