Transparency International Pakistan has highlighted significant gaps in the implementation of right-to-information laws across federal and provincial government departments, with compliance rates ranging from 28% in Balochistan to 59% in Punjab.
The findings were released ahead of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, observed on September 28. The assessment reviewed the websites of 98 key ministries and government departments to examine how effectively they were meeting information-disclosure requirements under the federal Right of Access to Information Act 2017 and relevant provincial laws.
Punjab recorded the highest overall compliance rate in the assessment. The review found that 18 provincial departments achieved a compliance rate of 59%. The federal government followed with 47% compliance across 14 ministries.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 22 departments recorded a compliance rate of 41%, while 25 departments in Sindh achieved 31%. Balochistan recorded the lowest rate, with 19 departments showing compliance of only 28%.
One of the major weaknesses identified in the assessment was the publication of budget and expenditure information. The findings pointed to gaps in the availability of basic financial information on government websites, limiting the amount of information readily accessible to citizens and the public.
The assessment also highlighted shortcomings in the publication of contact information for Public Information Officers (PIOs). PIOs play an important role in the right-to-information system by providing an institutional channel through which citizens can submit requests for information that is not already publicly available.
Balochistan recorded only 12% compliance for publishing PIO contact details, followed by Sindh at 14%. The federal government recorded 36%, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood at 45%. Punjab performed comparatively better, with 72% of the reviewed departments publishing contact details of their Public Information Officers.
Transparency International Pakistan recommended that information commissions introduce standard formats for the proactive disclosure of government information. It also called for stronger training for Public Information Officers and improved publication of budget and expenditure details.
The organisation further recommended making the publication of PIO contact information mandatory so citizens can easily identify the officials responsible for handling information requests.
The report also called for greater disclosure of government decision-making processes and more opportunities for public consultation. It recommended that government websites meet minimum transparency standards and maintain dedicated sections explaining citizens’ right to access information.
The findings highlight continuing differences in the implementation of right-to-information requirements across Pakistan and point to the need for more consistent publication of government information online.
