Islamabad, (Parliament Times) : National Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs in collaboration with Pakistan Information Commission celebrated International Day for Universal Access to Information by conducting a consultative session on SDG 16.10 which highlighted the importance of public access to information. This event took place in Parliament House.
The meeting was attended by members of Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs, parliamentary research experts and Representatives of civil society.
The session was chaired by Hon. Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi (MNA) & Convener Sub-group on SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions). He said “ today- we look forward to a more equitable and peaceful Pakistan. Continued open access to information can significantly contribute in helping us meet our SDG 16 targets to promote accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.”
Chief Information Commissioner of Pakistan Information Commission Mr. Mohammad Azam gave a detailed presentation on the progress of the commission so far. He stated “Commission has received 1500 applications from different segments of society seeking information from public office.”
Mr. Mukhtar Ali Executive Director CPDI suggested various changes in Right to Information Act 2017 which are in contradiction to the true essence of article 19-A of the constitution.
Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Bahawalpur participated virtually in the consultative meeting and also spoke on the significance of public access to information.
Convener Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs Mr. Riaz Fatyana in his concluding remarks highlighted that “the Secret Act 1923 restricts citizens of Pakistan to seek information from various public departments which needs to be amended according to the current dimensions of the world of information. He further stated that “ SDG 16 aims to strengthen institutions, which is not possible without smooth access to information.”