Wroskhop: Universal Access to Infomration (IDUAI 2022) – Ensuring Participation,
Accountability and Good Governance through RTI
Venue: Gymkhana, Tando Allahyar, Sindh
Date: 28 September 2022

Summary :

On the occasion of Universal Access to Information Day 2022, Transparency International Pakistan in collaboration with ARTS Foundation organized one day workshop in District Tando Allahyaar on 28 th September 2022.

29 participants representing lawyers, social activists, teachers, students, public and private working persons from the district participated in the workshop.

The workshop started with a formal welcome by Mr Imtiaz Ali Kunbhar, Field Associate, ARTS Foundation. After the welcome, participants introduced themselves.

Moving on, Mr Shahzado Malik, Executive Director ARTS Foundation introduced Transparency International Pakistan (TIP), its objectives, scope of work and the global presence and thanked TI Pakistan for organizing RTI awareness session in the district.

He briefed the participants in detail about Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016 and covered the following areas;

– Background of International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI)
– History of Freedom of Information (FOI) in Pakistan
– FOI/RTI Legislations in Pakistan
– Why do we need Freedom of Information/Right to Information Act
– Salient Features of the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016
– Proactive Disclosures and Exceptions
– Guidelines for making and submitting RTI Application
– Appeal Process
– Sindh Information Commission (SIC)

After the presentation, Q&A session was held which provided more clarity and information to the participants. The participants also worked in breakout groups to prepare sample RTI application about any public issue, and asked relevant public bodies to provide information under Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016. The breakout group activity provided them a clear idea about how an RTI application is written, and which information is requested from a public body.

Participants highlighted many gaps in public service delivery issues such as vacant positions of doctors and staff in public hospitals, district local government budget expenditure details, details of funds distributed to flood effectees and etc. All the groups made applications and gave presentations.

In the end, Mr Shahzado Malik, Executive Director ARTS Foundation paid thanks to all the participants and Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) for making this event possible in Tando Allahyar.