ISLAMABAD, May 3: The Consumer Rights Commission of Pakistan (CRCP) on Friday deplored the dismal state of press freedom in the country and asked the government to enact law on freedom of information.

In a statement issued on the World Press Freedom Day, observed on Friday the commission said the need for such a legislation was of utmost importance, since lack of freedom of information retarded the capacity of citizens and press to monitor public institutions.

The CRCP recalled that it had drafted a model freedom of information act last year in consultation with all stakeholders after an exhaustive consultative process stretching over a period of almost two years. The draft, presented to the law ministry in March 2001, was yet to be enacted, it said.

The commission has also launched a campaign for freedom of information (FOI) in the country, under its law and governance unit.

“The freedom of press to disseminate independent information in Pakistan is regulated and controlled through several laws. Journalists, media practitioners and organizations do not have any legal right to get information except through their informal connections with bureaucracy and the ruling elite,” it said.