ISLAMABAD: The Coalition on Right to Information (CRTI) has expressed serious concern over prolonged vacancies in key positions within the federal and provincial information commissions.

CRTI, a network of 39 civil society organisations working to protect and promote citizens’ right to information, has urged the respective governments to take immediate steps to ensure the effective functioning of these commissions which are mandated to uphold the fundamental right to information under Article 19-A of the Constitution.

Executive Director of the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) Mukhtar Ahmad Ali said despite repeated calls for action, key positions in multiple information commissions remained unfilled, impacting their ability to operate efficiently.

“The delays in appointing key officials to information commissions undermine transparency and accountability efforts. Federal and provincial governments need to take immediate actions to fill these vacancies and ensure the commissions are fully functional,” he said.

Key positions in multiple information commissions remain unfilled, impacting their ability to operate efficiently, says CRTI

The position of the civil society member has been vacant since January 20, 2024, leaving the commission incomplete for over a year. Without a third member, decision-making is at risk of deadlock, affecting the timely resolution of appeals. The post of chief information commissioner in Punjab remains vacant since May 29, 2024. The absence of leadership for over eight months has significantly undermined the commission’s credibility and effectiveness. Similarly, the third member, a civil society representative as mandated under Section 12(6)(b) of the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act 2016, has not been appointed since January 2024, resulting in a year-long delay in fulfilling the commission’s statutory composition. While the government of Balochistan has appointed two information commissioners under the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021, the appointment of the chief information commissioner remains pending. Additionally, the commission faces severe administrative and financial constraints, including a lack of deputed staff, operational resources, and adequate budgetary support.

Executive Director Institute for Research, Advocacy and Development (IRADA) Aftab Alam said, “The fundamental right to information is compromised by vacant commissioner positions in Information Commissions. Filling these seats is crucial to ensure citizens’ access and confidence in this right as guaranteed by the Constitution.”

Executive Director at Centre for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) Mohammad Anwar said the KP RTI Commission faced a significant backlog of over 2,000 complaints with many complainants waiting months for responses.

“The commission needs to establish a mechanism to efficiently handle complaints and keep applicants informed about proceedings.

CEO of The Network for Consumers Nadeem Iqbal said the constitutional right to information remained ineffective unless it was fully extended to consumers for the betterment of their daily lives through necessary appointments.

“This will enable the government to collect and disseminate accurate information, fostering a consumer-inclusive governance system, protecting citizens from the hazards of fake news and empowering them to make informed choices,” he said.

Published in Dawn, February 9th, 2025