Peshawar:Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmad has said that maximum proactive disclosure of government information can help counter disinformation, strengthen public trust and promote a peaceful society.
Speaking at a dialogue on ‘Access to Information for Enhancing Information Integrity’ organised by UNESCO and the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), he said information disorder posed a serious threat to society as it could fuel violence, create polarization and undermine public confidence in public institutions.
During a panel discussion on ‘RTI in Digital Age’, the KP Information Commissioner said effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) law was essential to promoting transparency, accountability and informed participation of citizens.
He stressed that timely and comprehensive disclosure of public information on government websites could help bridge information gaps and reduce the space available for the spread of false and misleading information.
Arshad Ahmad also called for a strong RTI framework and coordinated efforts among relevant stakeholders to promote information integrity and strengthen public trust in the digital era.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Atta Ullah Tarar, Chief Information Commissioner Pakistan Information Commission Shoaib Ahmad Siddique, Balochistan Information Commissioner Shania Tahir, Punjab Information Commissioner Bushra Saqib and Sindh Information Commissioner Muhammad Saleem Khan were among the participants.
Representatives of government departments and UNESCO, journalists, civil society members and students also attended the dialogue.