Knowledge is power: Sherry introduces Right to Information Bill
MNA Sherry Rahman has introduced a bill to remove secrecy in both government and private offices and ensure easy access to information for the media and the general public.
Rehman’s Right to Information Bill 2011 is aimed at addressing a 2002 ordinance which she called a bitter remnant of the dictatorship of former military ruler Pervez Musharraf.
Rehman later told The Express Tribune that she has wanted to introduce the bill for more than two years and expressed hope it would safeguard the public’s right to certain information.
The bill is intended to recognise access to information as a fundamental constitutional right and to make information available to the public in order to promote transparent governance. The bill would also, at least theoretically, lead to greater transparency, accountability and empowerment of citizens.
The draft bill, according to Rehman, would not only be applicable to government departments but also to the private sector, including manufacturers who produce goods for public consumption. Officials and private sector employees who leak information would be protected under a whistle-blower protection clause, Rehman added.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 12th, 2011.
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Excellent move .. Bringing Trancperency in Govt/Private bodies operating mechanisum is the only way to curb corruption specially in countris like Inda/Pak were politician as sucking the blood of normal people..............Every one should support and welcome this bill.
Well done Sherry. It needs lot of guts to move such kind of people friendly bills in the 'Elitist' house. I hope the bill proposes: a. A mechanism to implement the law. b. Assigns ownership, as Cabinet Division and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting are trying to shift the responsibility. c. Lays down guidelines for advocacy, awareness campaign and capacity building of all stakeholders. d. A system of accountability/ monitoring of public bodies on implementation of the Act. If these aspects are covered, we are praying for passage of the Bill and success of this noble cause. If it is to the contrary, this would be another piece of legislation, not-for-implementation. God bless you.
Three cheers for Ms. Rehman. She is one of the most sensible of all our parliamentarians and has set her sights high to protect the interests of the people at large. I hope that this bill passes soon into law. True enough 'knowledge is power'. All power to the people.
Good step!
We could classify some type of Security sensitive Information, which may not be shared, just as even big conspiracies against other nations are never brought in USA, even decades later.
We should handle things wisely.
Where is that bill which made it dis-qualified for public office if you've assets abroad?
No way in hell this is going to get passed in Pakistan. They'll talk about the grave national security implications of publicising the amount spent on garbage disposal and it'll get buried.
Good to know at least there are some areas where Pakistan wouldn't mind following India!! The Indian RTI Act has been very successful in bring to light corruption and also getting bureaucrats to work. All the best to Pakistan!