DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission has trained more than 40 public information officers (PIOs) from government departments on the Right to Information (RTI) Act to improve public access to official records and ensure timely provision of information.
According to a statement issued here on Wednesday, the training was organised in two sessions, with officers from over 40 public sector organisations briefed on various provisions of the provincial RTI law and their responsibilities under it.
Deputy Director Communications of the commission Syed Saadat Jehan delivered a detailed lecture on key provisions of the Act, its implementation in the province and the role of PIOs in ensuring citizens’ right to information.
Deputy Registrar Nazim Shahab Qamar explained the categories of information exempted under the law. He also guided participants on the procedure for processing information requests within the prescribed legal timeframe.
He stressed the importance of maintaining records and proactively publishing information on departmental websites in accordance with Sections 4 and 5 of the Act.
Chief Information Commissioner Syed Nazar Hussain Shah and Information Commissioner Arshad Ahmed also attended the training.
Mr Arshad responded to questions raised by the participants and advised them to seek the commission’s guidance in case of difficulties, reluctance or non-cooperation by their respective departments in providing information.
He assured them of the commission’s continued support.
Mr Shah appreciated the officers’ interest and active participation, saying public information officers had a vital role in ensuring effective implementation of the RTI law in its true spirit.
He urged them to discharge their responsibilities with commitment to promote transparency, accountability and timely access to information for citizens.
