Journalists urged to use RTI for investigative reporting

RTI activist, highlights importance of journalists as 4th pillar of democracy

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly passed the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016, in March 2017, aiming to enhance transparency in provincial authorities. The Friedrich Nauman Foundation (FNF-Pakistan) recently concluded a 2-day seminar on empowering journalists using the Right to Information law to investigate and combat fake news.

Muhammad Anwar, Head of Programs and Administration at FNF Pakistan, emphasised how journalists can boost investigative journalism through the RTI, strengthening the credibility of their stories. Syed Raza Ali, an RTI activist, highlighted the importance of journalists as the 4th pillar of democracy, encouraging the RTI Act to unearth and publicise information of public interest.

Discussing the legislative landscape of RTI in Pakistan, Ali explained the existence of five RTI laws. Ross Mahtani, a minority rights activist, underscored the need for journalists to cultivate critical thinking to counter fake news, emphasising adherence to professional standards and ethics.

Shahid Jatoi, Information Commissioner of the Sindh Information Commission, reported the resolution of 292 out of 360 complaints and urged journalists to file information requests to hold officials accountable. Former parliamentarian Naz Baloch concluded the seminar by advocating for media adherence to ethics over a focus on breaking news to counter fake news.