More than thirty journalists attended a FNF-Pakistan session where they were encouraged to use RTIs in their line of work.
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On September 8, 2024, journalists convened for a two-day conference organized by the Friedrich Nauman Foundation for Freedom (FNF-Pakistan).
LAHORE: The Friedrich Nauman Foundation for Freedom (FNF-Pakistan) wrapped off a two-day conference on Sunday. The seminar's primary goal was to inform reporters on how to use Right to Information laws to conduct investigative reporting and dispel false information.
The Punjab Assembly passed the RTI, 2013, securing public access to information in order to encourage transparency in the operations of provincial government.
Attendees at the seminar included around thirty journalists, rights activists, and students. They applauded FNF-Pakistan for organizing the event and urged journalist associations to host more events like this to encourage investigative reporting among young journalists.
"Journalists can promote investigative journalism through the use of RTI," stated Muhammad Anwar, Head of Programs and Administration at FNF Pakistan, in his address to the participants.
"In the end, this enhances the veracity of their accounts," he continued.
Syed Raza Ali, Program Manager of FNF Pakistan, said that Article 19A of the Constitution guarantees access to information and that there are five RTI legislation in Pakistan while outlining the legislative framework for RTI in that country.
He went on to say that as the fourth pillar of democracy, journalists serve as the people's representatives when it comes to using the RTI Act to look into and make public information that is of public interest.
"Using the RTI Act to obtain information, particularly for aspiring journalists, can help guarantee transparency in the social, professional, and public domains. According to the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act of 2013, provincial public organizations are required by law to deliver the requested information within 14 working days," he continued.
"In case the public bodies fail to provide the requested information, citizens can lodge complaints before the Punjab Information Commission", Ali added.
"The Punjab Information Commission is an impartial appellate body with the authority to order, summon, and punish officials who impede the flow of information."