STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : The Right to Information (RTI) is an essential tool for ensuring transparency, strengthening public accountability and improving governance in government institutions, Chief Information Commissioner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission Syed Nazar Hussain Shah said on Monday.
Addressing an awareness seminar at Rose Keppel Hall of Islamia College University Peshawar to mark the International Day for Universal Access to Information, he said an informed society was better placed to hold public institutions accountable and strengthen public trust in the government and state.
Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Islamia College University Professor Dr Ahmadur Rehman Saljoqi, faculty members, students and representatives of civil society attended the seminar.
Syed Nazar Hussain Shah said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act entitled citizens to seek information about the financial and administrative affairs of public institutions. He added that effective use of the law could help ensure the responsible utilisation of public funds and promote accountability.
Director Communications Syed Saadat Jahan briefed the participants about the procedure for obtaining information from government departments and institutions. He also highlighted the importance of RTI for students, particularly in academic research and access to educational information.
He said greater awareness among students and young people could contribute to the development of a culture of transparency and informed civic participation.
The seminar concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the KP Information Commission and Islamia College University to promote awareness and facilitate the effective implementation of the Right to Information law in educational institutions.
Certificates of appreciation were also distributed among individuals in recognition of their contributions to the promotion of RTI.
The event concluded with a call for greater cooperation between educational institutions, public bodies and civil society to strengthen awareness and practical implementation of the right to information across the province.
