The United Nations underscores access to information as a fundamental human right, essential for fostering transparency and enabling citizens to hold their governments accountable. The IDUAI serves to highlight this right and urges nations to ensure its implementation. In Pakistan, the Right to Information Act was enacted in 2017, representing a significant step toward enhancing governmental transparency. Yet, while other provinces have established functional RTI commissions to facilitate information access, Balochistan lags woefully behind, depriving its citizens of a basic right.

The consequences of this inaccessibility are profound. Poor governance and rampant corruption thrive in an environment where information is shrouded in secrecy. Citizens in Balochistan are left without essential information regarding healthcare, education, and infrastructure—three pillars that are critical for societal development. As a result, the province continues to grapple with underdevelopment and economic stagnation, trapped in a cycle where the lack of transparency breeds inefficiency and disillusionment.

Establishing an RTI commission in Balochistan faces numerous hurdles. The political will and commitment required to initiate this process appear weak. Bureaucratic red tape complicates matters further, creating a labyrinth of obstacles that stifle progress. Limited resources and institutional capacity also hinder the establishment of a commission capable of functioning effectively.

Local civil society organizations and advocates have begun to raise their voices, calling for urgent action. They urge provincial authorities to prioritize the establishment of a functional RTI commission. The federal government, too, must ensure compliance with the RTI Act, facilitating a culture of transparency across the nation. Additionally, the international community is called upon to support initiatives that promote accountability and good governance in Balochistan.

To bridge the significant gap between promise and reality, immediate steps must be taken. First and foremost, Balochistan must establish a functional RTI commission. This commission should not only be equipped with adequate resources but also staff trained in best practices for transparency and accountability. Proactive disclosure of information should become the norm, rather than the exception, allowing citizens to access data without having to navigate bureaucratic hurdles.

On this IDUAI 2024, Balochistan’s plight serves as a poignant reminder of the disparities that exist between global aspirations and local realities. The establishment of an RTI commission is not merely a bureaucratic necessity; it is a moral imperative. Transparency is the foundation upon which good governance is built, and without it, citizens are left powerless in the face of government actions and decisions that directly affect their lives.

As we advocate for action from provincial authorities, it is crucial to recognize that the right to information is a right that belongs to all citizens. It is time to fulfill the promises made and ensure that every citizen in Balochistan can access the information they need to empower themselves and contribute to the development of their province. The demand for transparency, accountability, and access to information is not just a call to action; it is a demand for justice. Let us mobilize, join the conversation, and insist on a future where access to information is guaranteed for all.

Mir Behram Baloch is a journalist and a social activist who extensively writes on topics related to Human Rights, Women’s Rights, and marginalized segments of society.