Chief Information Commissioner: TIP asks Sindh govt to expedite appointment process

ISLAMABAD: Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has asked Sindh Government to expedite appointment of Chief Information Commissioner to ensure effective implementation of the Sindh Right to Information (RTI) Act.

In a letter addressed to Chief Minister, Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, TIP representative, Daniyal Muzaffar advocate under Section 12(3) of Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 Transparency International Pakistan drew his attention towards a delay in the appointment of the Chief Information Commission of Sindh Information Commission as envisioned under Clause 12(5) of the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016, which is essential for the effective functioning of the Sindh Information Commission.

According to the Act, the Information Commission shall be headed by the Chief Information Commissioner, who shall be a retired Senior Government Servant not below the rank of BPS-20 and shall be appointed by the Government.

The Act provides for the establishment of an independent Information Commission headed by a Chief Information Commissioner to ensure the implementation and enforcement of citizens’ right to access information. However, although the position exists under the law, the tenure of the previous Chief Information Commissioner has been completed, and the office has remained vacant since then without the appointment of a new incumbent. This will potentially affect the operational effectiveness of the Commission.

The absence of a fully functional Sindh Information Commission will affect the implementation of Sindh Right to Information Act 2016 which is critical for transparency, accountability, and strengthening public trust in governance. The Commission plays a central role in ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to information under Article 19-A of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Transparency International Pakistan has requested the Chief Minister Sindh to issue directives for the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner, so that an effective implementation of the Sindh RTI Act 2016 is ensured.

Transparency International Pakistan has also sent copies of letter to Minister for Law, Home, and Parliamentary Affairs Sindh, Minister for Law, Home, and Parliamentary Affairs Sindh, Chief Secretary, Govt of Sindh, Karachi, Secretary Law, Govt of Sindh, Karachi, Information Commissioners, Sindh Information Commission and Registrar, High Court of Sindh, Karachi.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026