Freedom of information is essential to achieve transparency, accountability and public participation in the government. It is an extremely important reform, which can substantially contribute to good governance and in improving the quality of public service delivery. Unfortunately, Pakistan is still among those countries where citizens face tremendous difficulties in accessing information held by the public bodies. The Freedom of Information Ordinance, which was promulgated in October 2002, is still not enforced because the required Rules have not yet been notified. In addition, no province has so far taken any initiative to guarantee citizens’ right to information and records held by provincial departments.

Realizing its importance, Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has been working for freedom of information for the last several years. In 2000, we drafted a Model Freedom of Information Act and presented it to the Government of Pakistan. From then onward, we have been undertaking advocacy and lobbying work with the aim of creating awareness and persuading the Government of Pakistan to promulgate comprehensive legislation to protect and promote citizens’ right to information. Currently, CRCP and the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) are jointly implementing a project on freedom of information. Among others, the project seeks to (a) achieve the implementation of the Freedom of Information Ordinance 2002, (b) advocate for similar legislation in various provinces in Pakistan and, (c) build capacities of civil society groups to work for its implementation.

Against the above background, CRCP organized a workshop on Freedom of Information in Pakistan on October 20, 2003 at Nouman Hall, Ambassador Hotel Lahore from 09:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.