Pakistan Transparency Forum 2024: Enhancing Accountability, Transparency and Good Governance through Access to Information
Platform: Zoom (Online Event)
Date: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 

On October 1st, 2024, Transparency International Pakistan hosted the Pakistan Transparency Forum 2024, a significant virtual event aimed at enhancing accountability, transparency, and good governance through access to information. This forum gathered a diverse array of speakers, including government officials, civil society representatives, legal experts, students, and academics, who came together to discuss the critical role of Right to Information (RTI) in promoting transparency and empowering citizens.

The forum began with opening remarks from Mr. Kashif Ali, Executive Director of Transparency International Pakistan. He welcomed all participants and emphasized the critical importance of Access to Information (ATI) laws in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in Pakistan. Mr. Ali highlighted the significant role that ATI plays in empowering citizens and fostering trust between the government and the public. While acknowledging the progress made in implementing these laws, he pointed out that much work remains to ensure they are fully realized and effectively utilized. He encouraged all stakeholders—government bodies, civil society, and the media—to actively collaborate in creating an environment where transparency flourishes, enabling citizens to access the information they need to engage meaningfully in the democratic process.

Ms. Fariha Fatima, Assistant Project Coordinator at Transparency International Pakistan, welcomed the participants as the moderator and introduced the esteemed panel of experts. The opening plenary titled ‘Leveraging Access to Information (ATI) for Transparency & Good Governance’, started with an engaging panel discussion. The session focused on the significance of RTI laws and frameworks in advancing transparency, accountability, and good governance across Pakistan. The panelists included the following:

1. Brigadier (R) Muzaffar Ali Ranjha, Chairman of the Prime Minister Inspection Commission (PMIC). He discussed the federal government’s initiatives to enhance institutional transparency. He emphasized the importance of strong oversight mechanisms and regular audits in fostering accountability within public institutions.

1. Mr. Mehboob Qadir Shah, Former Chief Information Commissioner, Punjab Information Commission provided an overview of the Punjab RTI Act 2013 and the implementation challenges. He highlighted various landmark decisions given by the Punjab Information Commission for upholding the citizens right to know and stressed the need for citizens to utilize these laws actively.
2. Mr. Hamza Khan Swati, Head of Communication and Information at UNESCO Pakistan, connected the global perspective to Pakistan’s ATI efforts. He spoke about UNESCO’s role in supporting member states to develop and strengthen RTI frameworks. He emphasized on the global best practices on RTI that Pakistan can align with to ensure greater transparency and governance reforms, including enhancing the capacity of the information Commissions at the federal and provincial levels.
3. Justice (R) Zia Perwez, Former Supreme Court Judge and Chairman of Transparency International Pakistan, concluded the panel by reflecting on the legal foundations of RTI in Pakistan. He highlighted the constitutional right to information under Article 19-A, and how RTI laws serve as a critical tool for both governance and civic empowerment. Justice Perwez also underscored the importance of Supreme Court decision under Article 19-A, upholding the right to information as this will ensure that RTI laws are upheld and enforced effectively.

The plenary generated key discussion points as follow:

• Challenges in Implementing RTI Laws: Panelists discussed the barriers to effective implementation of RTI, including institutional resistance, capacity constraints, and a lack of awareness among the general public. Speakers called for enhanced efforts to bridge these gaps through awareness, training, and the need for proactive role of the commission for enforcement of RTI at the federal and provincial levels.
• The Role of Civil Society and Media: The panelists emphasized the role of civil society organizations and the media in amplifying the public’s right to access information. They urged active engagement across different stakeholders to strengthen demand side for RTI implementation.
• Future Pathways for RTI in Pakistan: Discussions also focused on the future of RTI in Pakistan, with a focus on proactive disclosure, technology and digital platforms as tools to make information more accessible to citizens. The panel stressed that embracing innovation will help streamline information-sharing processes and enhance transparency in the digital age.

Towards, the end Q&A session was held where participants discussed questions with the panelists and proposed ideas for strengthening implementation of RTI laws in Pakistan. 

Setting the Stage: Strengthening Demand Side for RTI Implementation

Moving forward, the second panel of the Pakistan Transparency Forum 2024 focused on the ‘Role of Civil Society, Youth, and Citizens in Strengthening the Demand Side of RTI Implementation in Pakistan.’ This session brought together a diverse group of experts who discussed the critical importance of civic engagement in advancing the Right to Information (RTI) and ensuring its effective implementation. The panelists included:

1. Dr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, CEO of RTI Consultancy and Former Vice-Chancellor of SMIU, Karachi, opened the discussion by sharing insights on how civil society can empower individuals to effectively utilize RTI laws. He underscored the importance of education and awareness programs to equip citizens with the necessary tools to demand their rights.
2. Ms. Birgit Lamm, Head of Office, Friedrich Naumann Foundation, FNF Pakistan, emphasized the pivotal role of civil society in advocating for transparency and accountability. She highlighted that FNF Pakistan has been working to enhance the capacity of civil society and citizens on the use of RTI laws for good governance and civic engagement.  
3. Justice (R) M. Ather Saeed, Former Judge of the Supreme Court and Board Member of TI Pakistan, reflected on the judicial perspective regarding RTI. He emphasized the significance of judicial support in ensuring that RTI laws are effectively enforced and respected by public institutions.
4. Ms. Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director of WISE, discussed the importance of youth and women engagement in the RTI movement. She called for initiatives that empower young people, especially women to utilize RTI as a means of promoting social change.
5. Mukhtar Ahmad Ali, Executive Director of CPDI Islamabad, provided insights on the practical challenges citizens face when attempting to access information. He highlighted the need for stronger mechanisms to facilitate information requests and the role of civil society in monitoring compliance with RTI laws. In this regard, he also shared the work of Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives on RTI in Pakistan.

The plenary generated key discussion points as follow:

• Empowering Citizens through Education: The panelists emphasized on the need for comprehensive education and training programs to empower citizens, especially youth, to utilize RTI laws effectively. They stressed the importance of raising awareness about citizens’ rights and how to exercise them.
• The Role of Advocacy: The discussion highlighted the critical role of civil society organizations in advocating for transparency and accountability. Panelists emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to strengthen the demand side of RTI implementation.
• Challenges and Solutions: The panelists identified various challenges, including institutional resistance, bureaucratic hurdles, and lack of citizens awareness about RTI. They collectively proposed actionable solutions to address these challenges, such as public engagement.

The Second plenary concluded with the moderator expressing gratitude to the panelists for their valuable contributions. The discussions underscored the vital role of civil society, youth, and citizens in ensuring the effective implementation of RTI laws in Pakistan. Panelists expressed optimism that, through sustained advocacy and collaboration, the demand side of RTI implementation can be significantly strengthened, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and accountable governance frameworks in the country.