Pakistan Information Commission

The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) operates as an independent and self-governing entity, established in accordance with Section 18 of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017. Its primary function is to create systems and processes that enable the citizens of Pakistan to exercise their constitutional entitlement to access information concerning matters of public significance.

Pakistan Information Commission
AbbreviationPIC
FormationNovember 7, 2018
TypeIndependent and autonomous enforcement body
Legal statusActive
PurposeTo establish mechanisms that enable citizens of Pakistan to exercise their constitutional right of access to information in matters of public importance
Location
  • Pakistan
Region served
Pakistan
Chief Information Commissioner
Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui
Websiterti.gov.pk

The PIC holds the responsibility of enforcing the Right of Access to Information Act 2017. This involves various activities such as promoting public awareness of the law, assisting federal public bodies in adhering to the law, conducting training for public information officers, monitoring their performance, addressing complaints, and initiating appropriate action against individuals or entities that do not comply with the provisions outlined in the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.[1][2]

Establishment and structure

The PIC was officially established on November 7, 2018.[1] Its structure comprises a Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners.[3] As of June 8, 2023, the serving Information Commissioners are Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, Ijaz Hassan Awan, and Huzaifa Rehman.[4][5]

Achievements and initiatives

Within the four years since its inception, the PIC received a cumulative total of 2,474 appeals. Of these, 2,153 appeals were submitted via postal services, and 321 appeals were received through email via the Information Management System. As of April 7, 2023, the PIC had resolved and closed 1,300 appeals, which was part of the overall 2,900 appeals received. However, there were still 1,600 appeals that remained pending for resolution.[6]

Despite progress, the PIC grapples with challenges in implementing commission orders and the Right to Information law. These include limited resources, funding shortages, and challenges in enforcing the commission's directives.[7]

Partnerships and collaborations

The PIC collaborated with different groups to improve access to information. In September 2023, they, along with UNESCO and the Peace and Justice Network, organized a conference in Islamabad to discuss the difficulties that marginalized communities encounter when trying to access information on the internet.[8][9]

Reference
  1. https://rti.gov.pk/
  2. "Right of Access to Information Act, 2017".
  3. "LAW: HOW CAN THE RTI LAWS BE FIXED? -". www.pakistanpressfoundation.org.
  4. Desk, Web (June 8, 2023). "PM Shahbaz appoints Huzaifa Rehman as Information Commissioner". ARY NEWS.
  5. https://rti.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mr.-Huzaifa-Rehman-Information-Commissi.pdf
  6. Desk, NNPS (April 7, 2023). "Pakistan Information Commission disposed of 1300 appeals so far: MoS for Law".
  7. "Two Years of Pakistan Information Commission – Issues & Challenges". December 31, 2020.
  8. "UNESCO, PJN & PIC join hands to strengthen access to information online". The Nation. September 30, 2023.
  9. "UNESCO, Peace And Justice Network And Pakistan Information Commission Join Hands To Strengthen Access To Information Online". The Friday Times. September 29, 2023.
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