Peshawar, [Tuesday]: Today, on the 24th of April, the Peshawar High Court commenced the first hearing of the petition filed by the Executive Director of the Center for Peace & Development Initiatives, emphasizing the urgent need to fill vacant positions in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission.
During the hearing, the Honorable Court noted the absence of the Advocate General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ordered the Government to submit its reply by the 30th of April 2024, stressing the importance of addressing the matter promptly.
The petition underscores the dysfunctional state of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Information Commission due to the vacant posts, which have remained unfilled since November 18, 2019, and July 14, 2022. With approximately 1700 rights to information applications pending, the Commission’s inability to function effectively has severely hindered citizens’ access to vital information.
Highlighting the critical role of the Information Commission in upholding transparency and accountability in governance, the Executive Director urges swift action to appoint two Information Commissioners in accordance with Section 24(4) of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013.
The petition seeks to address the breach of statutory duty and violation of constitutional rights resulting from the failure to appoint Information Commissioners, emphasizing the need to ensure the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act for the benefit of all citizens.
For further inquiries, please contact:
Center for Peace & Development Initiatives
