Spreading the word: Students urged to use RTI law

Legislation enables people of K-P to take a stand against corruption.

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information (RTI) Commission has urged students to use the RTI Act, 2013 to ensure social wellbeing and prevent corruption and nepotism.

During an awareness session organised for students at Edwardes College Peshawar on Wednesday, RTI officials emphasised the importance of the law as a tool for social change. The seminar was attended by a large number of students and teachers.

“Every one of you has the right to use the law for the wellbeing of society,” said Chief Information Commissioner of the RTI Commission Major (retd) Sahibzada Khalid.

Speaking on the occasion, RTI Commissioner Professor Kalimullah said K-P is the first province to enact the RTI law. According to Kalimullah, the legislation enables the people of province to take a stand against corruption. He urged the student to use the law in an appropriate manner to bring a positive change in society.

He insisted that the students should spread the word about the importance of the RTI law in producing an accountable and transparent society.

“Over the last nine months, we have successfully obtained information from government departments which was sought by the applicants,” RTI Commissioner Abdul Matin said. It is only through strict adherence to the rule of law that peace and stability can be achieved, he added.

Matin insisted that unless the law is implemented in letter and spirit, transparency cannot be ensured.

K-P became the first province to have implemented the RTI as a law in December 2013. The RTI Act was signed in December 2013. The bill was unanimously passed by the K-P Assembly on October 31, 2013.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 23^rd, 2014.