Pakistan leaders emphasize right to information amid digital challenges

On International Day for Access to Information, Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari emphasized the necessity of timely and authentic information for meaningful public participation in a democratic society. He noted that while Article 19-A of the Constitution and the Right to Access to Information Act 2017 provide a legal framework for citizens to access public data, the digital age presents new challenges. Zardari highlighted the difficulty of distinguishing reliable information from misinformation, deepfakes, and content manipulated by criminal or terrorist networks.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also issued a message calling for collaboration between the government, media, and civil society to protect information integrity. However, practical challenges persist in the country. Despite laws allowing citizens to request information without a lawyer or fee, reports indicate frequent delays and non-compliance by government departments.

The Pakistan Information Commission reported receiving 8,021 appeals since its establishment in 2018, with 7,049 cases disposed of and 872 still pending. While the Commission maintains it is working to its best capacity, citizens continue to face obstacles in exercising their constitutional right to information.