SIC, TI Pakistan plan joint drive for transparency in Sindh

                                                                                               IV photo
Both sides to launch awareness drives, train officials under RTI Act 2016

IV Report

KARACHI: The Sindh Information Commission (SIC) and Transparency International Pakistan have agreed to collaborate to advance transparency and open governance in Sindh, terming effective implementation of the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 a “cornerstone” for citizens’ access to information.

According to an official handout issued Saturday, the agreement came during a meeting where both sides discussed enhancing public awareness, building capacity of public bodies, and streamlining mechanisms for timely and proactive disclosure of information.

The meeting was attended by SIC Commissioners Muhammad Saleem Khan and Noor Mohammad Dayo, and Executive Director Zulfiqar Shaikh. TI Pakistan was represented by Executive Director Kashif Ali, accompanied by Project Managers Nasreen and Fareeha.

                                                                        Official photo
Representatives from both organisations stressed that transparent governance is essential for restoring public trust and improving service delivery. They committed to jointly promote proactive disclosure practices, support training initiatives for government officials, and facilitate citizens in exercising their right to access information.

The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding to develop a framework for cooperation, including awareness campaigns, technical support, and policy advocacy aimed at fostering a culture of openness and integrity across Sindh’s public sector. Both sides also agreed to hold regular consultations to improve the RTI law for ensuring transparency and good governance.

The collaboration will play a pivotal role in reinforcing democratic values and ensuring public institutions remain responsive and accountable to the masses, the handout added.

The Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 mandates public bodies to proactively disclose information and respond to citizen requests within stipulated timelines.



With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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