Balochistan RTI Commission Delayed For Three Years

The formation of the Balochistan Information Commission, which was mandated by the Balochistan Right to Information Act of 2021, is still pending despite the law being enacted three years ago, according to Dawn. Unlike the federal and provincial information commissions that have completed three terms, the Balochistan Commission has yet to be established. This issue was brought to light at the launch of the Right to Information project by Aid Balochistan, attended by political and social leaders, government officials, journalists, and lawyers. They emphasised that the implementation of the right-to-information law has yet to materialise in Balochistan.

Politicians and activists underscored the importance of access to information for ensuring transparency. They argued that implementing this law is a fundamental right of citizens, crucial for maintaining transparency in public fund usage. Representatives from political parties stressed the urgency of enforcing the Right to Information (RTI) law in Balochistan, as it would promote better use of public resources and support welfare initiatives. They stated that Balochistan’s development could only be achieved by enforcing the RTI law.

Adil Jahangir, Executive Director of Aid Balochistan, noted that the law would enable public involvement in government decision-making and provide access to information on ongoing projects in key sectors like health and education, leading to better governance and development outcomes.

Senior journalist Mir Behram Baloch highlighted that implementing the RTI law would secure public rights and ensure the proper utilization of government funds in Balochistan’s remote areas.

RTI activist Mir Behram Lehri questioned why the provincial government has not yet appointed information commissioners. He stated that the longer the delay in implementing the law, the more doubts will arise.

Other speakers, including Balochistan Awami Party Central Information Secretary Dr Nashanas Lehri, National Party’s Quetta chapter President Ghulam Nabi Marri, Mir Muslehuddin Mengal, Wadera Shahzad Lango, Adil Jehangir, Behram Baloch, Behram Lehri, Sadiq Sumalani, and Rana Ahsan, pointed out that easier access to information helps eliminate corruption and improves accountability.

The seminar was also attended by officers from various government departments, lawyers, civil society leaders, journalists, and representatives of different organisations.