Lahore, January 09, 2023 (PPI-OT):Establishment of District RTI Centers will help to protect the basic right of the common man, RTI Act is actually the spirit of real democracy, the freedom of Information Act is a precursor to public revolution, Instructions have been issued to all deputy commissioners in Punjab for the establishment of RTI centers, transparency is a big challenge for corrupt elites, the elites should come forward to help humanity.
These views were expressed by Chief Information Commissioner Punjab Mahboob Qadir Shah, founder and Chairman Akhuwat Foundation Dr. Amjad Saqib, RTI expert Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah, AS (Home) Malik Awais while addressing in inter-provincial workshop held at Alhambra Lahore by Punjab Information Commission, Deputy Commissioner Office Lahore and Center for Peace and Development Initiative.
At that occasion addressing the participants, Chief Information Commissioner Mahboob Qadir Shah said that to ensure transparency in day to day government affairs the law bestows a common man to enquire about utilization of resources and power by government functionaries and it does not conceal any information from the public. He said that PIC is struggling from day first to apprise the right of the common man to ensure transparency and right to information.
Expressing his views in the workshop well known RTI expert and former information commissioner Mukhtar Ahmed Ali imparted training to the officers from across the province on the importance of self-disclosure of information and its implementation. He said that public bodies are bound to disclose all basic information under section 4 through the official website for the convenience of the citizens.
On this occasion, Malik Awais Additional Secretary (Home) read out the message of Additional Chief Secretary (Homed) Asad Ullah Khan, in which he has said that the government of the Punjab support the idea of RTI centers at district level and system of self-disclosure of information.
Additional Chief Secretary further said that he has issued directions to all deputy commissioners to ensure implementation on Transparency and Right to Information Act. Renowned motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah said that transparent government through RTI is the death of corrupt elites.
He emphasised on the proper awareness regarding Right to Information Act for better understanding of the common man. Founder and Chairman Akhuwat Dr. Amjad Saqib appreciated the efforts of Chief Information Commissioner for organizing this wonderful and informative workshop.
He said that social and economic revolution can be brought by ensuring implementation on the Right to Information Act and by using the decisions of Punjab Information Commission. He said that the elites should come forward to play their role in solving the suffering of humanity.
At the end of the ceremony Chief Information Commissioner Mahboob Qadir Shah thanked the distinguished guests and officers from across the Punjab and expressed his commitment that Commission will continue its struggle to remove all obstacles in the way of disclosure of information to improve governance and transparency in official matters. At the end of the event Chief Information Commissioner distributed honorary shields and certificates to the participants.
For more information, contact:
Directorate General Public Relations,
Government of the Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-9201390-86
Website: www.punjab.gov.pk