Punjab RTI Act-2013 falls short of global standards

The Punjab Right to Information Act 2013 falls short of international standards, failing to meet UN and Universal Declaration criteria. This gap highlights critical weaknesses in local transparency frameworks that need urgent legislative reform to align with global best practices for freedom of expression. The law restricts access solely to citizens, unlike the inclusive global model that allows any person to file requests. Furthermore, it lacks mechanisms to handle abusive or repetitive inquiries and omits essential whistleblower protections, leaving those exposing public interest information vulnerable without adequate legal safeguards. This analysis is vital for open_data advocates as it reveals how restrictive local laws hinder the free flow of information. By identifying these legislative gaps, the article underscores the necessity for more inclusive and protective frameworks, ensuring that open data initiatives are not undermined by narrow scope and insufficient safeguards for transparency.

Source: thenews.com.pk
Published on 2023-11-30