STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : A 30-member women’s delegation from DA HAWWA LUR, led by Miss Husna Ali, visited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission (KPIC) to learn about its role in promoting transparency, ensuring public access to information and strengthening citizens’ right to information.
Chief Information Commissioner Syed Nazar Hussain Shah, along with senior members of the Commission, warmly welcomed the delegation and briefed its members on the KPIC’s functions, achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at improving transparency and accountability in public institutions.
During the briefing, the delegation was informed that the Commission had signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with various social-sector organisations to improve service delivery, promote transparency and ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Commission’s collaborative initiatives include capacity-building programmes for Public Information Officers (PIOs), training on the electronic filing of information requests, and awareness campaigns for civil servants, civil society organisations, academia and think tanks. The initiatives also support provincial and local administrations, media organisations and civil society in promoting the effective implementation of the RTI framework.
Chief Information Commissioner Syed Nazar Hussain Shah highlighted the special facilitation measures introduced by the Commission to make the process of seeking information easier and more accessible for citizens. These include the establishment of a facilitation centre at the KPIC and other institutional measures designed to ensure convenience, dignity and improved access for people seeking information from public bodies across the province.
The delegation was also briefed on the Commission’s digital initiatives, including the RTI Complaint Management mobile application and a digital dashboard designed to facilitate real-time complaint tracking and monitoring. These initiatives reflect the Commission’s efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen accountability and promote the use of technology in public service delivery.
During the visit, the delegation toured various sections of the Commission and learned about its operational procedures and mechanisms for addressing complaints related to the right to information.
Both sides expressed their willingness to continue cooperation on future initiatives and projects aimed at promoting public awareness, strengthening transparency and advancing the role of Pakistani women in society.
The delegation appreciated the Commission’s efforts to strengthen the RTI framework and improve the implementation of the law in the province. Its members also commended the initiatives undertaken to facilitate citizens’ access to public information and promote women’s empowerment through awareness and institutional engagement.
Responding to questions from the participants, Commissioner Judicial Arshad Ahmed described the right to information and the role of the RTI Commission as important instruments for ensuring transparency and accountability in government affairs. He said the Commission was making continuous efforts to strengthen its institutional capacity and serve the public more effectively.
The visit concluded with a shared understanding of the importance of public awareness, institutional cooperation and citizens’ access to information in building a more transparent and accountable society. The engagement also underscored the need to encourage women’s participation in initiatives that promote informed citizenship, good governance and the effective exercise of legal rights.
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