Strengthening the role of journalists in uncovering public interest stories, the Pakistan Press Foundation (PPF) conducted a capacity building workshop in Karachi, equipping journalists from Balochistan with practical skills to use Right to Information (RTI) laws for investigative journalism.
The session brought together reporters representing a range of print, digital, and broadcast outlets from various districts of Balochistan. Led by RTI expert Dr. Raza Ali Gardezi, the day-long session offered in-depth training on accessing government-held information under Article 19-A of the Constitution, the Federal Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, and the Balochistan Right to Information Act. Dr. Gardezi urged journalists to actively assert their legal right to information, emphasizing that RTI laws are powerful tools for uncovering facts and exposing institutional failures.
“Every citizen must understand the Constitution, especially the 28 fundamental rights that shape democratic access and accountability,” he said, stressing the need for journalists to use RTI in routine investigations.
The workshop included an overview of the global evolution of RTI laws, the structure of Pakistan’s legislative framework, and practical guidance on filing effective information requests. Participants engaged in interactive exercises and discussed real-life challenges in pursuing official data.
“RTI is a legal instrument for transparency—not a complaints system. Journalists should use it methodically to pursue facts,” Dr. Gardezi said. He also called on provincial departments to immediately appoint and train Public Information Officers (PIOs) as mandated under the law.
Abdul Shakoor, Commissioner of the Balochistan Information Commission, joined the session online and briefed participants on the commission’s current status. He noted that two commissioners have been appointed and that work is underway to launch the official website. “We are committed to operationalizing the system, and we encourage journalists to use the law and help educate the public,” he said.
In the closing session, PPF presented an overview of challenges to media safety and press freedom in Pakistan and in Balochistan. PPF introduced the participants to the Federal Protection of Journalists and Other Media Professionals Act, 2021, which offers legal safeguards for media workers facing threats or violence.
The workshop reinforced PPF’s continued commitment to advancing transparency and strengthening investigative journalism through legal empowerment and institutional awareness.
