Right to information: Bolo bhi requests transparency

RTI requests seek information regarding specific laws under which surveillance & filtering equipment has been acquired

Bolo Bhi, a non-profit organisation with focus on advocacy, policy and research, has filed Right to Information (RTI) requests to inquire about surveillance and web filtering equipment reportedly acquired by the government. The RTI seeks information regarding specific laws under which surveillance & filtering equipment has been acquired. “We have asked for information such as purchase orders, cost of equipment, gazette notifications, and takedown procedures,” a statement released by the organisation stated. Bolo Bhi filed the complaint emphasising that Pakistan must practise transparency and be accountable to its citizens. “Any steps the government takes that directly impact citizens and are paid for by the taxpayers’ money, need to be public knowledge,” the statement further said.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2014.