PILDAT, Sindh info commission discuss efforts to create awareness of RTI law

The Sindh Information Commission (SIC) and the Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT) have discussed collaborated efforts to augment mass awareness about the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2016 in the province.

A delegation of PILDAT, led by Ahmad Mahboob Bilal, called on Chief Information Commissioner Dr Jawed Ali and Information Commissioner-I Shahid Abbas Jatoi of the SIC at the commission’s office on Saturday.

The key objective of this initiative is to create awareness among designated officials and general population with a focus on vulnerable segments/communities, media, and civil society representatives for them to become active users of the RTI law.

Dr Jawed Ali emphasized the use of RTI by civil society to carry out effective oversight of this law, and its implementation for better governance in the province. He also appreciated the PILDAT for its continued support and efforts towards promoting the RTI law.

Earlier, Ahmed Mehboob Bilal briefed the SIC about the key features of PILDAT’s various projects and initiatives for the welfare of different communities and people.

PILDAT in collaboration with USAID and Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives has launched a ‘HumAhang’ project in South Punjab and Northern Sindh aimed at scratching out extremism and violence against women, minorities and other vulnerable groups.

The HumAhang initiative had been launched in several districts of the Sindh province, including Khairpur, Sukkur, and Shikarpur.

The delegation solicited the support of SIC for organizing a training workshop for the designated officials to foster peace-building and dialogue between citizens and government.

The chief information commissioner assured the delegation of full support and assistance in this regard.