Quetta: More than five years after its enactment, the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021, requires legislative reforms to address gaps in enforcement, institutional independence, and accountability, says the Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) in a recent policy brief. FAFEN calls on the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan and the provincial government to initiate amendments to strengthen the province's right to information framework and ensure effective implementation of the constitutional right guaranteed under Article 19A.

According to Free and Fair Election Network, the brief is part of FAFEN's campaign "Countering Disinformation through Reliable Government Information," which emphasizes proactive, accessible, and verifiable publication of official information. FAFEN acknowledges that the Act provides a sound statutory foundation but identifies several constraints, including definitional ambiguities, limited disclosure requirements, and weak accountability for non-compliance.

The organization recommends expanding definitions to include legal persons and private institutions receiving public funds. It also calls for clear definitions of the right to information and the establishment of an official information web portal. Public bodies should disclose decision-making processes and submit annual compliance reports to enhance legislative oversight.

FAFEN proposes whistleblower protection and suggests reforms for the Balochistan Information Commission, including a bipartisan appointment process and statutory timelines. It recommends establishing a dedicated fund for the Commission to ensure financial independence and empower it to inspect public records.

By learning from other provinces, Balochistan can establish a robust enforcement framework to prevent institutionalized non-compliance, improve access to information, and strengthen public accountability. The complete policy brief offers detailed findings and recommendations for these reforms.