Islamabad: Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has welcomed the promulgation of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Ordinance that has included Pakistan among more than thirty-five countries of the world having freedom of information legislation. While considering the Ordinance a partial success, CRCP views this as a milestone in the struggle of civil rights in Pakistan. This reinforces the belief that a lobbying backed by research can bring dividends for the citizens as evident from the
Campaign for freedom of information launched by CRCP for the last two years.

While commenting on the promulgation of FOI Ordinance, CRCP Director Salman Humayun appreciated that the government has realized the utmost importance of FOI legislation for reforms in governance structures and institutional set up. However, the Ordinance offers broad exemption to maintain secrecy in official transactions. We believe that any FOI legislation should include citizens' perspective in order to encourage effective public participation in various decision-making processes, and promote transparency and accountability in public administration, he said.

In March 2001, CRCP in collaboration with Liberal Forum, Pakistan had presented to law ministry and ministry of information Model Freedom of Information Act, 2001whch was prepared after extensive research. It was followed by devising a campaign for FOI in Pakistan supervised by a national steering committee. CRCP had also convened an All Political Parties Consultation on FOI in Islamabad in March 2002 in collaboration with the British Council and a variety of public interest groups.

CRCP pledges to continue working for the advancement of freedom of information and its enforcement. It thanks all those who contributed to its enactment.