ISLAMABAD: Right to Information (RTI) is a fundamental citizen right that helps reduce corruption, build public trust and improve service delivery.

This was the gist of a training session organised by a private organisation for public information officers (PIOs) from various departments of Punjab.

The session focused on effective implementation of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, aiming to strengthen institutional transparency, enhance service delivery and promote informed governance.

Proactive disclosure by public institutions is the key to countering disinformation, said Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO).

Public institutions can play a critical role in countering disinformation through proactive disclosure of information.

Highlighting the significance of the RTI guaranteed under Article 19-A of the Constitution, SSDO said timely access to the verified information was essential to curb rumours, misinformation and deliberate disinformation in today’s rapidly evolving information landscape.

A major emphasis of the training was the legal obligation of public institutions to proactively disclose information under Section 4 of the Act.

SSDO said publishing policies, budgets, decision-making processes and service-related information not only fulfills statutory requirements but also serves as a frontline defense against disinformation by providing citizens and media with authoritative and easily accessible information.

The participants were urged to adopt a citizen-centric approach, recognising transparency as a governance tool that promotes accountability, integrity and evidence-based public discourse.

The session also addressed the mandate of the Punjab Information Commission, its enforcement powers, complaint redressal mechanisms and its pivotal role in promoting open governance. Effective coordination between PIOs and the commission was highlighted as essential for consistent implementation of the RTI across districts.

Syed Kausar Abbas, executive director SSDO, said: “Strengthening the capacity of Public Information Officers at the district level is crucial to embedding a culture of openness in public institutions.”

Published in Dawn, January 12th, 2026