Access to information fundamental right of citizens: Raja Jahangir

LAHORE: Punjab Information & Culture Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar on Wednesday said that access to information about matters of public importance was the fundamental right of citizens. He was addressing a seminar at Alhamra regarding awareness to public information officers about the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. The Secretary said that the Punjab government, by enforcement of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013, had given the citizens their basic right, adding that in order to make this legislation more effective, a consultation process with all stakeholders was also underway. He further said the access to information act was being reconsidered for its effective enforcement. The secretary stressed the need for computerizing the system of Punjab Information Commission and for this purpose, Punjab Information and Technology Board (PITB’s) technical collaboration could be obtained. Raja Jahangir Anwar said besides digitization Punjab Information Commission, there was a dire need to establish a data bank of applications in order to discourage habitual litigants. He appreciated the efforts made by Chief Information Officer Mehboob Qadir Shah for the effective implementation of law. Former law secretary Sh Ahmed Farooq termed the Punjab Information Act a positive step. He, however, suggested balanced amendments in the law to commensurate it with the ground realities for positive outcomes. CIO Mehboob Qadir Shah also highlighted the salient features of the law.