More than five years after its enactment, the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021 requires legislative reforms to address gaps in enforcement, institutional independence, and accountability, says Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in a policy brief titled “From Enactment to Enforcement: Strengthening Balochistan’s Right to Information Act to Counter Disinformation”.
FAFEN urges the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan and the provincial government to initiate amendments to strengthen the province’s right to information framework and ensure effective implementation of the constitutional right guaranteed under Article 19A.
The brief is part of FAFEN’s “Countering Disinformation through Reliable Government Information” campaign, which emphasizes proactive, accessible, and verifiable publication of official information as a more effective response to disinformation than punitive regulation.
FAFEN acknowledges that the Act provides a sound statutory foundation and comparatively broad definitions of “information” and “public body”. However, its effectiveness is constrained by definitional ambiguities, limited disclosure requirements, weak accountability for non-compliance, delayed and incomplete operationalisation of the Balochistan Information Commission, inadequate inspection and enforcement powers, and the Commission’s financial dependence on the government.
FAFEN recommends expanding the definitions of “applicant” and “public body” to include legal persons registered in Pakistan and private institutions receiving public funds, subsidies, tax concessions, or rebates. It also calls for clear definitions of the right to information and an official information web portal.
The brief proposes requiring public bodies to disclose their decision-making processes, the basis for key decisions, and avenues for public input. Annual compliance reports by the public bodies should also be submitted to the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly, in addition to the Information Commission, to enable legislative oversight.
FAFEN further recommends whistleblower protection for persons who disclose, in good faith, evidence of corruption, wrongdoing, maladministration, or non-compliance with legal obligations.
To strengthen the Commission’s independence, the brief proposes a bipartisan parliamentary appointment process involving treasury and opposition representatives, statutory timelines for appointments, and removal only after an inquiry and report by the Balochistan High Court. The Commission should also be empowered to inspect public bodies’ records and issue binding directions on record management and disclosure.
FAFEN recommends establishing a dedicated Balochistan Right to Information Fund, with the Chief Information Commissioner serving as principal accounting officer. Commissioners’ salaries, allowances, and terms of service should not be varied to their disadvantage after appointment.
Balochistan can learn from the experience of other provinces and establish a strong enforcement framework before non-compliance becomes institutionalised. Making the Act operational and enforceable will improve citizens’ access to reliable information, strengthen public accountability, and help counter disinformation.
Read the complete policy brief “From Enactment to Enforcement: Strengthening Balochistan’s Right to Information Act to Counter Disinformation” for detailed findings and recommendations.
You may also read FAFEN recommendations to strengthen Federal RTI Framework │Punjab RTI Framework │ Sindh RTI Framework │ Khyber Pakhtunkhwa RTI Framework
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