PROVINCIAL ASSEMBLY OF SINDH

NOTIFICATION
KARACHI, THE 12TH APRIL, 2017

NO. PAS/Legis-B-30/2016 – The Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Bill, 2016, having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on 13th March, 2017, and assented to by the Governor of Sindh on 08th April, 2017, is hereby published as an Act of the Legislature of Sindh.

THE SINDH TRANSPARENCY AND RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT, 2016

SINDH ACT NO. XV OF 2017

AN ACT

To provide for promoting transparency in the working of every public authority by establishing a practical framework through which every citizen may secure access to information in a rapid and low-cost manner under the control of public authorities. It also provides for the constitution of a Sindh Information Commission and addresses matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Preamble

Whereas Article 19A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan provides that every citizen shall have the right to access information in all matters of public importance, subject to regulations and reasonable restrictions imposed by law;

And whereas transparency and access to information are essential principles of democracy, which not only enable the public to hold governments and their institutions accountable but also contribute to improving the system of governance;

And whereas it is essential that all citizens have the right to information in order to participate meaningfully in the democratic process and to further enhance their involvement and contribution in public affairs;

Now, therefore, it is expedient to provide for transparency and freedom of information so as to ensure that all citizens have better access to public information, to make the Government more accountable to the public, to enforce the fundamental right to information in matters of public importance, to ensure transparency in government affairs, and to provide for matters ancillary or incidental thereto.