Karachi: The Collation on Right to Information, which is made up of more than 50 non-governmental organizations, presents RTI awards to a journalist, a citizen, and a public information officer for effectively using the RTI laws.
Saddia Mazhar won the RTI Award in the category for journalists, had filed more than 50 information requests to various federal and provincial public bodies and used the information for her reporting she got.
Her notable RTI-based investigative stories include, among others, that the FIA’s cybercrime wing is unable to trace the social media accounts. Additionally, through her RTI request, the FIA Cyber Crime Wing was directed to share copies of the FIRs registered under the PECA Act on its website and the National Assembly was instructed to make public the privilege motions submitted by parliamentarians. The matter is currently being referred to the National Assembly’s standing committee on Privileges.
Saddia Mazhar – while addressing award distribution ceremony held in a hotel at Karachi said, all four provinces including Federal have access to information laws. Information Commissions are also established in federal and provinces except Baluchistan.
She added, it is a fact that there are some challenges in the implementation of these laws however, it can be improved only through practicing these laws.