Musharraf's "Freedom Of Information Ordinance" In Pakistan

Former President Musharraf had taken an appreciable step of issuing an ordinance for freedom of information during 2002. That ordinance gave right to the Pakistani citizens to see the record of any federal government department. These institutions included judiciary, tribunals, ministries, departments, boards and local councils. Afterward, sind government also implemented, Freedom of Information Act" in 2006. During 2010 present government also made this act of right to know any official information, the part of Pakistan's constitution. In this regard new article 19 A was introduced through 18th amendment. This article quotes," Every citizen of Pakistan has the right to know the official record but to see sensitive documents respective rules are to be followed." But ironically, if a government officer refuses to show the record he can not be punished even by the president of Pakistan. When comparing this act with that of Indian, if an officer does not obey the rules he is fined up to Rs 25000 that he has to pay out of his pocket, in India. Therefore, the officer is forced to listen to the complaint and have to show the record to the person concerned.
Another major difference between the act in Pakistan and India is that in India a department has been established for the implementation of RTI and monitors the activities from federal level to the lowest level. In Pakistan even educated people do not know about the act what to speak of masses. However, NGO's are benefiting from the act and getting the requisite information from various departments posing to eliminate corruption. But corrupt officers hinder their way.
During August 2009, a NGO in Karachi and a citizen asked the the Karachi Building Control Authority (KBCA) about the number of buildings approved under the Sind Regulation And Control Ordinance 2002. Because many illegal buildings had been approved through fees/ bribery. But, citizen was not replied within 21 days, so he complained to Federal Ombudsman. Then officer provided the information but not complete. So it is needed that the act be implemented in its true sense and spirit otherwise no use of amendments and passing the laws .