Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) reported low compliance with right to information laws among federal and provincial government departments, with proactive disclosure rates ranging from 28% in Balochistan to 59% in Punjab.

The report, released ahead of the International Day for Universal Access to Information on September 28, assessed the websites of 98 key ministries and government departments against proactive disclosure requirements under the federal Right of Access to Information Act 2017 and corresponding provincial laws. Punjab recorded the highest compliance at 59% among 18 departments, followed by the federal government at 47% across 14 ministries. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa recorded 41% compliance among 22 departments, while Sindh and Balochistan recorded 31% and 28%, respectively.

The assessment found significant gaps in the publication of budget and expenditure information. It also highlighted limited availability of contact details for Public Information Officers (PIOs), with publication rates of 12% in Balochistan, 14% in Sindh, 36% at the federal level and 45% in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Punjab recorded 72%.

TIP recommended standardised formats for proactive disclosure, mandatory publication of PIO contact details, improved budget and expenditure disclosures and dedicated Right to Information sections on government websites. It also called for stronger training of PIOs and greater disclosure of decision-making processes to facilitate public consultation and access to information.