Punjab Transparency and RTI Act, 2013

Right to Information

What is Right to Information

The Government of Punjab has implemented a series of measures to strengthen service delivery and citizen satisfaction. The Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013 make it mandatory for public bodies to provide stipulated government-held information to the public. The Industries, Commerce, Investment Skills Development Department is proactively providing the information for citizens under RTI.

Under Article 19-A of the Constitution, RTI (Right to Information) is a fundamental right of every citizen of Pakistan to have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by law. A citizen in addition to a government department can also have access to information of a private body which is substantially financed by the government. RTI is based upon the principle that citizens being taxpayers are owners of public information. RTI boosts transparency, accountability, elimination of corruption and improvement of public service delivery.

How RTI can Help

The information got through RTI enables citizens to hold public officials accountable for their actions, to comment upon their performance, to conduct survey on the basis of data received through RTI and to indicate gaps and weaknesses of public bodies. 

The government also benefits from RTI by becoming aware of gaps and weaknesses of public bodies. RTI also helps public officials by making it easier for them to carry out their duties more efficiently.