LAHORE—The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, was passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2013 to promote transparency in provincial authorities’ work and secure citizens’ access to information.
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF-Pakistan) concluded a two-day seminar on Sunday. The seminar’s main objective was to train journalists in using Right to Information laws for investigative reporting and countering fake news.
While addressing the participants, Muhammad Anwar, Head of Programs and Administration at FNF Pakistan, said that journalists can promote investigative journalism through RTI, which ultimately strengthens the credibility of their stories.
During a discussion about the legislative landscape of the Right to Information (RTI) in Pakistan, Syed Raza Ali, Program Manager of FNF Pakistan, highlighted that access to information is guaranteed under Article 19A of the Constitution and mentioned the existence of five RTI laws in Pakistan.
He emphasized the significant role of journalists as the fourth pillar of democracy and their responsibility in utilizing the RTI Act to investigate and disseminate information of public interest. Accessing information through the RTI Act, especially for young journalists, can contribute to ensuring transparency in public, professional, and social spheres.
According to Ali, provincial public bodies are legally obligated to provide the requested information within 14 working days under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. He also mentioned that citizens can file complaints before the Punjab Information Commission if the public bodies fail to provide the requested information. Additionally, he highlighted the role of the Punjab Information Commission as an independent appellate authority with the power to direct, summon, and penalize officials who obstruct the flow of information.
In discussions about countering fake news through critical thinking, rights activist Mr. Ubaid Ur Rehman emphasized the importance of journalists possessing the skills to fact-check and report accurately. He stressed the need for news media to adhere closely to professional standards and ethics to avoid publishing unchecked information. Furthermore, he underscored the importance of investing in critical thinking to mitigate the risks of disinformation associated with technological advancements such as the internet and artificial intelligence.
Former information commissioner of the Punjab Information Commission, Saeed Akhtar Ansari, encouraged journalists to exercise their right to access information, particularly for investigative stories. Uzma Kardar, PMA, concluded the seminar by urging journalists to utilize RTI tools to combat fake news. The seminar was attended by over 30 journalists, rights activists, and students who lauded FNF-Pakistan’s efforts and called for similar sessions to be organized by journalists’ organizations to promote investigative reporting among young journalists.
