The Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental human right that enables citizens to access public records and demand transparency from their governments. In Pakistan, RTI is a constitutional right, and several federal and provincial laws provide legal mechanisms for the public to obtain information.
The Right to Information is enshrined in Article 19A of the Constitution of Pakistan, inserted via the 18th Amendment in 2010:
“Every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.”
🔗 Read Article 19A – Constitution of Pakistan
RTI empowers citizens to:
Hold public officials accountable
Participate meaningfully in governance
Detect corruption and mismanagement
Make informed decisions
Right of Access to Information Act, 2017
Replaced the ineffective Freedom of Information Ordinance (2002). It applies to all federal public bodies.
RTI Complaints Portal
Citizens can submit online complaints regarding information denial.
🔗 https://rti.gov.pk/
Each province has its own RTI legislation:
Punjab: Punjab Transparency & RTI Act, 2013
RTI Portal: https://rti.pitb.gov.pk/
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP): KP RTI Act, 2013
RTI Portal: https://www.kprti.gov.pk/
Sindh: Sindh Transparency & RTI Act, 2016
Commission: https://sindhrti.gov.pk/
Baluchistan: Baluchistan Freedom of Information Act, 2005
(Note: considered weaker and needs reform)
Identify the Public Body
Know whether it’s federal or provincial.
Draft Your Application
Include your CNIC, contact details, and specific questions. You are not required to give reasons for your request.
Submit
Federal: Email or submit via https://rti.gov.pk/
Punjab: Submit to the Public Information Officer or via RTI Punjab Portal
KP: Use https://www.kprti.gov.pk/
Sindh: Forms and contacts available at https://sindhrti.gov.pk/
Wait for Response
Time limits range from 10 to 30 days depending on the law. If denied or ignored, you can appeal to the respective Information Commission.
Civil society groups like CPDI and PILDAT have used RTI to uncover budget allocations, audit reports, and project details.
Citizens have requested:
School infrastructure data
Budget use by MNAs/MPAs
Hiring processes in government departments
Lack of awareness among citizens and government officials
Weak enforcement of penalties for non-compliance
Inadequate staffing in information commissions
Despite these issues, the use of RTI is growing steadily with help from advocacy groups and digital tools.
The Right to Information is a powerful tool that bridges the gap between citizens and the state. When used effectively, it strengthens democracy, promotes transparency, and ensures better governance. As informed citizens, we must not only exercise this right but also spread awareness about it.
📢 Use your voice. File an RTI. Make democracy work.
| Platform | Link |
|---|---|
| Constitution (Article 19A) | pakistani.org |
| Federal RTI Act 2017 | moib.gov.pk |
| Federal RTI Portal | rti.gov.pk |
| Punjab RTI | rti.pitb.gov.pk |
| KP RTI | kprti.gov.pk |
| Sindh RTI | sindhrti.gov.pk |
| CPDI | cpdi-pakistan.org |
| PILDAT | pildat.org |
