Knowledge is power: Sherry introduces Right to Information Bill
Sherry Rahman has introduced a bill to remove secrecy in both government and private offices
ISLAMABAD:
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.
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.