ISLAMABAD, Dec 16: Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) has welcomed the “Access to Justice” policy announced by the government on Saturday.

The policy, if properly implemented, would greatly contribute to the betterment of civil rights and rule of law in Pakistan, the CRCP said in a statement issued on Sunday.

It also considers this policy as a success of citizens, who have been lobbying under the CRCP campaign for Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation and consumer protection legislation in Pakistan for the last three years.

It hoped that the government would ensure implementation of the policy framework.

The CRCP noted with serious reservations that the FOI Ordinance, 1997 was allowed to lapse in order to debar the citizens from having access to information.

Similarly, it said the consumer protection legislation was enacted for Islamabad and the NWFP in 1995 and 1997 respectively, but their rules of business have not materialized and hence remained dormant.

Freedom of information is the most desired reform linking good governance with responsible business practices, the human rights organization said adding that it was essential for ensuring transparency and accountability in conduct of the government.

The CRCP believes that information should be a legally enforceable right of the citizens and the FOI can empower citizens to make informed market and political choice, it said.

The CRCP has also requested the citizens and organizations to come forward and join hands with its campaign for the FOI and CPL and thus, support the cause of freedom of information and consumer protection.