ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting citizens’ right to information, declaring that people can play a meaningful role in public life only when they enjoy timely, credible and reliable access to information.
In a message marking the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the president said the Constitution of Pakistan provides a clear foundation for the public’s right to know, and he underscored the need for transparency, accountability and responsible communication by state institutions.
Constitutional and Legal Framework
Zardari noted that the 18th Constitutional Amendment strengthened the constitutional framework for freedom of expression and introduced Article 19-A, under which every citizen has the right to access information on all matters of public importance, subject to regulations and reasonable restrictions imposed by law.
He added that the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 provides a legal framework for access to information at the federal level.
New Challenges in the Digital Era
The president observed that the rapid growth of digital platforms, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies has transformed the way information is produced, distributed and consumed.
According to Zardari, the challenge today is not merely the availability of information but also enabling citizens to distinguish reliable information from false, misleading or artificially manipulated content.
He warned that various state and non-state actors, terrorists and criminal networks, as well as overly powerful technology companies, could distort information or use it for their own purposes.
Role of Journalists and Media
The president said the role of public-interest journalists, media organisations, communication professionals, researchers and other experts has therefore become increasingly important in helping citizens access accurate information in a rapidly changing information environment.
He stressed that while protecting citizens’ right to information, efforts to counter monetised misinformation and disinformation should not become a means of suppressing public-interest journalism, fair criticism or meaningful public debate.
Call for Responsible Communication
Zardari said transparency, accountability and responsible communication by public institutions were essential, adding that citizens should be able to obtain reliable information from credible sources, particularly on matters that directly affect their lives.
