QUETTA: Speakers at a seminar on access to information exp­­ressed frustration over the lack of implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law in Balo­chistan despite the passage of three years.

They also lamented that despite interviews for RTI commissioners being conducted over two months ago, the chief minister has yet to make any nominations.

The seminar, organised by AID Balochistan to mark the Inter­national Day for Access to Information, brought together political and social activists, and lawyers at the Quetta Press Club.

The participants voiced concern over the province’s failure to establish a Press Commission, which would oversee the enforcement of RTI laws.

Manzoor Ahmed, former general secretary of the Balochistan Union of Journalists, highlighted the disparity between global celebrations of Access to Information and the situation in the province.

“In the 21st century, we are still deprived of this fundamental and constitutional right,” he said.

Mr Ahmed stressed that implementing the RTI law is essential to combat the spread of fake news.

“There is an expectation for the media to report accurate information, but without verified data from institutions, we cannot fulfil this role. The RTI law is the only viable solution,” Mr Ahmed added.

Adil Jahangir, executive director of AID Balochistan, noted that his organisation has been advocating for the Right to Information for seven years and will continue to engage stakeholders to push for the law’s implementation.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2024