ISLAMABAD: Five years after its passage, the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021, needs legislative reforms to address enforcement gaps, institutional independence and accountability, the Free and Fair Election Network (Fafen) said on Tuesday.

In a policy brief titled From Ena­ctment to Enforcement: Strengthening Balochistan’s Right to Information Act to Counter Disinformation, Fafen urged the Balochistan Assembly and the provincial government to amend the law to ensure effective implementation of the right guaranteed under Article 19A of the Constitution.

The brief is part of Fafen’s “Countering Disinformation through Reliable Government Information” campaign, which argues that proactive, accessible and verifiable publication of official data is a more effective response to disinformation than punitive regulation.

Fafen acknowledged the Act provides a sound statutory base and broad definitions of “information” and “public body”. But it said effectiveness is limited by definitional ambiguities, narrow disclosure requirements, weak penalties for non-compliance, delays in operationalising the Balochistan Information Commission, inadequate inspection powers, and the commission’s financial dependence on the government.

To widen access, Fafen proposed expanding definitions of “applicant” and “public body” to include legal persons registered in the country and private institutions receiving public funds, subsidies, tax concessions or rebates. It also called for clear definitions of the right to information and creation of an official information web portal.

The watchdog said public bodies should be required to disclose decision-making processes, the basis for key decisions, and avenues for public input. Annual compliance reports should be submitted to the Speaker of the provincial assembly in addition to the Information Commission to allow legislative oversight.

Fafen recommended whistleblower protection for people who in good faith disclose evidence of corruption, wrongdoing, maladministration or legal non-compliance.

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2026