'Flaws in ordinance hindering access to information'

The Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002 has failed to deliver as partial access to information hindered establishment of just, transparent and accountable system of governance. This was the gist of a seminar on "Freedom of Information" jointly organised by the cabinet division and Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives.
Minister of state for information Anisa Zeb Tahirkheli conceded that there were many flaws in the existing ordinance. These flaws and shortcomings are blocking implementation of laws.
Moreover, she said there was a great need to create awareness about the importance of this ordinance. Objectives of the ordinance, she said, are to create awareness and to know working of the government and public sector organisations and to ensure a just, accountable and transparent system of governance.
The bill, she said, failed to deliver mainly because there were some flaws in it. She also stressed upon provision of training to officials in ministries, divisions and department on the importance of the law.
She defended the government and said all past governments made laws to control the press and referred to Official Secrets Act 1923 and Press and Publications Ordinance.
She said these laws were designed to control the press, whereas the present government, having firm belief in the press freedom, introduced Information Ordinance 2002. "We need to move forward and bring improvements in it," she added.
Shehzada Sheikh, secretary population welfare, stressed on the need for taking concrete steps to further improve the present ordinance to ensure easy access to information.
The ordinance, he said, could also be helpful for the bureaucracy, as they would not buckle under pressure to make wrong decisions because of the fear of disclosure of information.
He said freedom of information law, if effectively implemented, could play an important role for the establishment of society based on economic justice.
Hafiz Azizur Rehman of network said ineffective procedures, lack of political will, and bureaucratic mindset were main hurdles in the implementation of the ordinance.
He said this right was granted to every citizen in the article 19 of the Constitution, accepted in the UN charter on human rights and resolution of human rights.