Creating transparency

The words ‘transparency’ and ‘accountability’ are much bandied about in countries where either of them is thin on the ground. In many instances and not only in Pakistan powerful vested interests have no desire to see either become a part of the national framework of values to be aspired to, let alone enshrined in legislation. Perhaps to the surprise of some and certainly to the satisfaction of those that seek transparency and accountability in governance, Pakistan has now passed a truly groundbreaking piece of legislation. The Senate on Tuesday 22^nd August gave the nod — unanimously — to the ‘Right of Access to Information Bill 2017’. This grants any citizen access to the record of public authorities except where issues of national security are at stake, and even then the detailed reasoning for a refusal has to be cited by the appropriate official — a simple blunt refusal will not suffice or be acceptable.

What sets this move above others is the way in which it comes with the imprimatur of all political parties and representatives from all the provinces. Three principles underpin the legislation — maximum disclosure, minimum exemptions and the right of appeal. A balance has been struck between public interest and national security — not unlike that in developed states. It started life as a private members bill which the government decided in a rare outbreak of common sense to embrace. The opposition agreed and the expectation is that it will be passed by the National Assembly in the next six months.

Transparency does not happen at the flick of a switch and the passing of this bill is not going to immediately right innumerable wrongs, but it will provide both a platform and leverage for those that strive for better, cleaner, governance. It is all the more remarkable for having the level of support that it has politically. Similar legislation is available provincially but there was a gaping hole federally, now filled. If this is a harbinger of further proactive positive legislation then we welcome it, hoping at the same time that it is not a flash-in-the-pan. We will watch the implementation phase avidly.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2017.

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