Islamabad Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has stated that access to information is not only a fundamental democratic right but also a powerful tool for transparency, accountability, and public empowerment. He stressed the need for collective efforts to protect and promote global access to information.
In a message issued by the Prime Minister’s Office media wing on the occasion of International Access to Information Day, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every citizen’s fundamental right to seek, receive, and disseminate information.
He said, “Access to information is not just a democratic right but also a vital means to promote transparency, accountability, and public autonomy. In today’s interconnected world, the free flow of information strengthens good governance, fosters social inclusion, and builds trust between the state and its people.”
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif added that informed societies are the foundation for peace, justice, and sustainable development. He noted that Pakistan has taken concrete steps through legislation and institutional reforms to guarantee citizens’ right to information.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing equal access to information for all segments of society, including women, youth, and marginalized groups, particularly in the digital age. He mentioned the Pakistan Information Commission, established under the Right to Information Act 2017, as a quasi-judicial body that facilitates access to information and addresses citizens’ complaints.
He also highlighted ongoing digitization efforts aimed at preserving public records and making access easier. The Prime Minister called on all stakeholders — including government institutions, civil society, media, and technology platforms — to work together to build a more open, transparent, and knowledge-based society.
“By doing so, we can empower our people, strengthen our democracy, and accelerate Pakistan’s journey toward progress and prosperity,” he said. Concluding his message, the Prime Minister urged a renewed commitment to safeguarding and advancing global access to information for the benefit of all.
