In a modern democracy, transparency is not just a luxury; it is a fundamental right. For Pakistan, this journey toward a more open government reached a turning point with the insertion of Article 19-A into the Constitution. Today, the Right to Information (RTI) serves as a powerful tool for journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens to hold the state accountable.
This article explores the landscape of RTI in Pakistan, its legal framework, and how implementation varies across different provinces as of 2025.
What is the Right to Information (RTI)?
The Right to Information refers to the legal framework that allows citizens to access records held by public bodies. In Pakistan, this right is constitutionally protected under Article 19-A, which states:
“Every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.”
To give this article practical shape, the federal and provincial governments have enacted specific “Right of Access to Information” laws.
Federal Level: Right of Access to Information Act, 2017
At the federal level, the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 replaced the weaker Freedom of Information Ordinance of 2002.
- Enforcement Body: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC).
- Key Features: It mandates that federal ministries and departments designate Public Information Officers (PIOs) to process requests.
- Current Status: While the PIC is active and issues regular orders against non-compliant departments, it often faces challenges such as funding gaps and bureaucratic resistance regarding “sensitive” data.
Province-Wise Implementation: A Comparative Look
Implementation of RTI laws is not uniform across Pakistan. Some provinces have pioneered “second-generation” laws that are among the strongest in the world, while others are still catching up.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) – The Trailblazer
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the first to pass a robust, modern RTI law: the KP Right to Information Act, 2013.
- Performance: Consistently ranked as the most effective province for RTI.
- 2025 Update: Recent amendments in early 2025 have aimed to further “fine-tune” the enforcement powers of the KP Information Commission.
- Strengths: Includes strong whistleblower protections and high rates of proactive disclosure.
- Punjab – Scaling Transparency
The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013 is often cited as a model for large-scale implementation.
- Enforcement: The Punjab Information Commission is known for its user-friendly online portal where citizens can track their appeals.
- Impact: It has been instrumental in uncovering details about local government spending and infrastructure projects.
- Sindh – Modernizing the System
Sindh initially struggled with an outdated 2006 ordinance but replaced it with the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016.
- Challenges: Despite having a strong law on paper, implementation has been slower than in Punjab or KP. However, 2024-2025 saw a rise in judicial interventions, with the Sindh High Court pushing the provincial commission to be more proactive in resolving citizen complaints.
- Balochistan – The Newest Framework
For years, Balochistan relied on a weak 2005 law. This changed with the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021.
- Current Status: As of 2025, the province is still in the “institutional building” phase. The primary hurdle remains the appointment of permanent commissioners and the training of PIOs across remote districts.
How to File an RTI Request in Pakistan
Filing an RTI request is a relatively straightforward process. You do not need to be a lawyer to ask for information.- Identify the Department: Determine which public body holds the information you need.
- Locate the PIO: Find the contact details of the designated Public Information Officer for that department.
- Submit the Application: Write a simple letter (or use the prescribed form) clearly stating the information you require. Under most provincial laws, you do not need to provide a reason for your request.
- Wait for the Deadline: Public bodies are usually required to respond within 10 to 14 working days.
- Appeal if Necessary: If the information is denied or delayed, you can file an appeal with the respective Information Commission.
| Province | Primary RTI Law | Enforcement Agency |
|—|—|—|
| Federal | RTI Act 2017 | Pakistan Information Commission |
| Punjab | Punjab RTI Act 2013 | Punjab Information Commission |
| KP | KP RTI Act 2013 | KP Information Commission |
| Sindh | Sindh RTI Act 2016 | Sindh Information Commission |
| Balochistan | Balochistan RTI Act 2021 | Balochistan Information Commission |
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the progress, several obstacles remain:- The “Secrecy” Culture: Many government officials still prefer the old “Official Secrets Act” mindset over the new RTI culture.
- Digital Divide: While online portals are great, many citizens in rural areas lack the digital literacy to use them.
- Awareness: A large portion of the population remains unaware that they have a legal right to see how their tax money is spent.
For more information on global transparency standards, you can visit the Global RTI Rating, where Pakistan’s laws are frequently evaluated for their strength.
Would you like me to draft a sample RTI application letter for a specific provincial department?
