Independent Report
Quetta, November 5, 2025 – A capacity-building workshop on the Balochistan Right to Information (RTI) Act 2021 was successfully held in Quetta for Public Information Officers (PIOs) from various provincial departments. The session was jointly organized by Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) and the Balochistan Information Commission.
The workshop aimed to equip government officials with the knowledge and tools needed to ensure effective implementation of the RTI law, promote transparency, and enhance citizens’ access to public information.
Professor Dr. Nosheen Wasi, Member of the Board of Trustees, Transparency International Pakistan, highlighted the importance of transparency in fostering accountable governance, emphasizing that “transparency is the cornerstone of a responsible and responsive government.”
Abdul Shakoor Khan, Information Commissioner, Balochistan Information Commission, provided a comprehensive overview of the RTI Act 2021, outlining its key provisions and the legal obligations of public bodies. He acknowledged that the response rate to RTI requests in the province remains low but reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening the implementation process.
Kashif Ali, Executive Director of Transparency International Pakistan, elaborated on Section 5 of the Act, explaining the concept and practical steps of proactive disclosure. He noted that “access to information is a powerful tool to curb corruption and rebuild public trust,” adding that RTI serves as an effective mechanism for social accountability and civic participation in governance.
Saleem Shahid, Bureau Chief of Dawn and former President of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), stressed the significance of the RTI law in promoting democratic values and transparent governance in Balochistan.
Participants actively engaged in discussions on the challenges of implementing the Act and commended the efforts of TIP and the Balochistan Information Commission for organizing the workshop. They emphasized that such training initiatives are vital for raising awareness and improving compliance with the law across government departments.
The joint initiative marks a crucial step toward strengthening transparency, accountability, and good governance in Balochistan through the effective enforcement of the Right to Information Act 2021.
