Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Official Stresses Right to Information as Key to Democratic Strength
In a seminar titled "Safe, Free and Effective Media" held at a local hall in Peshawar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Human Rights) Mardan, Iqbal Hussain Khattak, underscored the fundamental responsibility of the state to provide information to citizens. He emphasized that this duty is guaranteed under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act 2013, which ensures constitutional and legal rights for citizens to access information from public institutions.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Khattak stated that the right to information is not merely a legal provision but a vital tool for promoting transparency and strengthening the democratic system. He argued that public accountability and good governance are unattainable without robust access to information. "The Right to Information law serves as an effective mechanism for building trust between the public and the state," he said, urging all institutions to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to prevent misunderstandings and facilitate prompt resolution of public issues.
Role of Media and Government Initiatives
Praising the media's role, Khattak highlighted that a free, responsible, and professional media is essential for driving positive societal change. He noted that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is actively taking measures to enhance citizens' access to information, including capacity-building programs for relevant institutions to improve their responsiveness and efficiency.
Seminar Highlights and Participant Insights
The seminar, organized in collaboration with IRSP and TDEA, attracted a diverse audience, including representatives from government departments, civil society members, political workers, lawyers, students, teachers, and former local government representatives. Other speakers, such as Professor Muhammad Abrar, Rahat Khan, Abbas Shah, Taj Ghani Advocate, Nazia Shah, Aziz Ahmad, Muhammad Arif, and Fayyaz-ul-Islam, discussed the importance and implementation of the Right to Information Act. They stressed the need for greater public awareness to ensure the law's effectiveness.
Focus on Marginalized Communities and Media Challenges
Speakers also emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among women, youth, and marginalized communities about their right to information. They called for collective efforts to address challenges faced by the media, including limited access to information and concerns over journalists' safety, which hinder the free flow of information and public oversight.
Project Findings and Commitment to Transparency
IRSP Programme Coordinator Muhammad Ismail briefed participants on panel discussions conducted in educational institutions and presented findings from a three-and-a-half-month project, alongside Aziz Ahmad. At the conclusion of the seminar, a shield was presented to the chief guest, and informational material on the Right to Information Act was distributed among attendees. The speakers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting transparency, accountability, and the rule of law through such initiatives, underscoring the ongoing efforts to uphold democratic values in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
