Barrister Kakakhel Advocates Access to Information for Accountability
In an event hosted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission, Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel, the Caretaker Minister of Information, Culture, and Tourism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressed the importance of government transparency and public awareness through access to information regime.
He emphasized that informed citizens are essential for holding governments accountable and cited Hazrat Umar’s exemplary response to a question as a historical precedent. Furthermore, he underscored the relevance of the Holy Quran in guiding our lives and urged for proactive disclosure to information to evaluate government performance.
Barrister Kakakhel also expressed concern over the recent MDCAT test incident, highlighting the need for merit-based rewards for the youth.
Provincial Minister Barrister Feroze Jamal Shah Kakakhel acknowledged the challenges facing the province and called for responsibility and corrective measures to instill confidence in the youth.
He emphasized the importance of meritocracy and transparency, asserting that public access to information is a fundamental component of achieving this goal.
He pointed out the province’s efforts, with 1146 Public Information Officers working diligently to provide timely information.
The commission’s performance, having resolved over 23,000 of 25,000 requests promptly, indicates its effectiveness he said.
Barrister Kakakhel informed the audience that Chief Commissioner Farah Hamid Khan and her team are making significant strides in their roles, with plans to appoint more commissioners shortly.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Secretary Information and Public Relations Syed Jabbar Shah and former Chief Commissioner Azmat Hanif Orakzai and Professor Kaleem Ullah and others.
In the event recognizing the outstanding performance awards were distributed.
In the category of Media, Journalist Muhammad Faheem, in PIO Category Deputy Secretary Finance Anwar Zeb, and in Citizen Category Majid Ali received awards.
The ceremony drew the participation of numerous media representatives and public as well.
