Source: http://www.rti-rating.org/country-data/scoring/?country_name=Pakistan
Timestamp: 2018-04-21 13:18:11
Document Index: 279759780

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art 19', 'Art 3', 'Art 3', 'Art 12', 'Art 9', 'Art 9', 'Art 13', 'Art 6', 'Art 25', 'Art 14', 'Art 15', 'Art 16', 'Art 10', 'Art 4']

Name of law : Freedom of Information Ordinance
Requesting procedures	 30 8
Sanctions	 8 5
TOTAL	 150 67
Areas of Strength: 1. The right to information is constitutionally protected. 2. Public officials have a broad duty to assist requesters. 3. The Mohtasib is fairly effective as an appeals body. Areas for Improvement: 1. Vague requesting procedure. 2. Few promotional measures. 3. There is uncertainty as to whether the law trumps other legislation in case of a conflict.
1 The legal framework (including jurisprudence) recognises a fundamental right of access to information. Score 0 for no constitutional right to information, 1 point for a limited constitutional right, 2 points for full constitutional recognition of a public right of access to information. 2 YES Constitution Art 19A
2 The legal framework creates a specific presumption in favour of access to all information held by public authorities, subject only to limited exceptions. No=0, Partially=1, Yes=2 2 Partially Art 3 mentions that the purpose of the act is to provide maximum accessability - worth a point.
3.2 (Y/N - max 1 point) 2 YES Preamble: \"to ensure that the citizens of Pakistan have improved access to public records and for the purpose to make the Federal Government more accountable to its citizens\" Also see 3(2).
4 Everyone (including non-citizens and legal entities) has the right to file requests for information. Score 0 point if only residents/citizens; 1 point for all natural persons; 1 point for legal persons. 2 NO Art 3 - no requester shall be denied access - but Art 12 defines requesters as citizens of Pakistan.
5 The right of access applies to all material held by or on behalf of public authorities which is recorded in any format, regardless of who produced it. Score 1-3 points if limited definition of information information such as not "internal documents" or databases excluded, 4 points for all information with no exceptions. 4 Partially 2(I) - any information used for an official purpose, and the Act does not cover information held by the body on behalf of someone else.
6 Requesters have a right to access both information and records/documents (i.e. a right both to ask for information and to apply for specific documents). Score 1 point for only documents, 1 point for information 2 Partially Expert - can apply for records or documents, but cannot ask questions.
7 The right of access applies to the executive branch with no bodies or classes of information excluded.This includes executive (cabinet) and adminsitration including all ministries, departments, local government, public schools, public health care bodies, the police, the armed forces, security services, and bodies owned or controlled by the above. Score 4 points for central government agencies covered: 1 for the head of state, 1 for ministries, 1 for other non-statutory agencies created by the ministries, 1 for state and local government if the government is unitary. If it´s a federalist system, 2 points for the non-statutory agencies. This can be determined by examining the length and thoroughness of the list, if such a schedule exists. Score 1 point for the archives. Add three points and deduct 1 for each exempted central agency (such as the armed forces, police, etc). 8 Partially 2(h)(I) allows for any ministry or department of the federal governmentas well as dependent bodies that they establish, and includes the presidency and the archives but not the ministers themselves (1 point deducted). Regional bodies are not included but, as a federal state, this does not cost Pakistan points. Armed forces and security bodies are not covered (2 points deducted)
8 The right of access applies to the legislature, including both administrative and other information, with no bodies excluded. Score 1 point if the law only applies to administrative documents, 2-3 points if some bodies excluded, 4 points if all legislative branch at all levels of government 4 Partially 2(h)(ii) - covers the secretariat of parliament. Admin documents only.
9 The right of access applies to the judicial branch, including both administrative and other information, with no bodies excluded. Score 1 point if the law only applies to administrative documents, 2-3 points if some bodies excluded, 4 points if all judicial branch at all levels of government 4 YES 2(h)(iv) seems to cover it entirely
10 The right of access applies to State-owned enterprises (commercial entities that are owned or controlled by the State). Score 1 point if some, 2 points if all 2 YES 2(h)(iii) - any body established under federal law would presumably include these bodies.
11 The right of access applies to other public authorities, including constitutional, statutory and oversight bodies (such as an election commission or information commission/er). Score 1 point if some bodies, 2 points if all 2 YES 2(h)(III)
13 Requesters are not required to provide reasons for their requests. Y/N answer 0 or 2 points 2 NO The official form in Annex 2 of the rules requires the requester to provide reasons.
14 Requesters are only required to provide the details necessary for identifying and delivering the information (i.e. some form of address for delivery). Score Max 2 points and deduct if requesters are required to give any of the following: ID number, telephone number, residential address, etc. 2 NO Annex 2 of regulations - official form requires a telephone number, father\'s name, NIC no.
15 There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. 2 NO Law is vague on procedure.
16 Public officials are required provide assistance to help requesters formulate their requests, or to contact and assist requesters where requests that have been made are vague, unduly broad or otherwise need clarification. Score 1 point for help in formulation and 1 point for clarification procedures 2 YES Art 9 - broad duty to assist.
17 Public officials are required to provide assistance to requesters who require it because of special needs, for example because they are illiterate or disabled. Score Yes=2 point, No=0 2 YES Broadness of Art 9 seems to cover this as well.
22 There are clear and reasonable maximum timelines (20 working days or less) for responding to requests, regardless of the manner of satisfying the request (including through publication). Score: 1 point for timeframes of 20 working days (or 1 month, 30 days or 4 weeks). Score 2 points for 10 working days (or 15 days, or two weeks) or less. 2 Partially Art 13 \"(1) Subject to sub-section (2),on receiving an application under section 12, the designated off icial shall, within twenty-one days of the receipt of request, supply to the applicant the required information or, as the case may be, a copy of any public record.\" 21 days
23 There are clear limits on timeline extensions (20 working days or less), including a requirement that requesters be notified and provided with the reasons for the extension. --- 2 YES No mention of extensions.
24 It is free to file requests. Score: No=0, Yes=2 points 2 NO Annex 2 of Regulations - requesting fee is 50 rs.
25 There are clear rules relating to access fees, which are set centrally, rather than being determined by individual public authorities. These include a requirement that fees be limited to the cost of reproducing and sending the information (so that inspection of documents and electronic copies are free) and a certain initial number of pages (at least 20) are provided for free. Score 1 point for fees being limited to reproduction and delivery costs and set centrally, 1 point for at least 20 pages free of charge or for fees being optional 2 Partially 25(a) - Fed government is able to set fees, and the Regulations limit the cost of photocopies to 5 rs per page, though the scheudle is not complete enough to merit two points.
27 There are no limitations on or charges for reuse of information received from public bodies, except where a third party (which is not a public authority) holds a legally-protected copyright over the information. Score: No=0, Yes=2 points 2 NO The application form requires that the requester guarantee not to use the information for other purposes.
28 The standards in the RTI Law trump restrictions on information disclosure (secrecy provisions) in other legislation to the extent of any conflict. Score 4 points for a resounding "yes" and 1/2/3 points if only for some classes of information or for some exceptions. If the state secrets law is not trumped by the RTI law max score is 2 points. 4 Partially 3, 23 - These seem to contradict each other, one saying notwithstanding any law and one preserving other laws
29 The exceptions to the right of access are consistent with international standards. Permissible exceptions are: national security; international relations; public health and safety; the prevention, investigation and prosecution of legal wrongs; privacy; legitimate commercial and other economic interests; management of the economy; fair administration of justice and legal advice privilege; conservation of the environment; and legitimate policy making and other operations of public authorities. It is also permissible to refer requesters to information which is already publicly available, for example online or in published form. Score 10 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which either (a) falls outside of this list and/or (b) is more broadly framed 10 Partially 13(2)(e) Noting on the files, 8(a) \"files\" exception seems overly broad, but it depends on how that\'s interpreted. 8(f) - records declared as classified by the federal government (WAY too broad). 8(I) - any other record the federal government excludes.
30 A harm test applies to all exceptions, so that it is only where disclosure poses a risk of actual harm to a protected interest that it may be refused. Score 4 points and then deduct 1 point for each exception which is not subject to the harm test 4 Partially 8(e) - defence and national security.
35 When refusing to provide access to information, public authorities must a) state the exact legal grounds and reason(s) for the refusal and b) inform the applicant of the relevant appeals procedures. Score Y/N: 1 point for a and 1 point for b 2 NO 13(e) says the applicant will be notified of the decision, but nothing more.
36 The law offers an internal appeal which is simple, free of charge and completed within clear timelines (20 working days or less). Score 2 points if the internal appeal fulfills these criteria, 1 point if an appeal is offered that does not fulfill this criteria, 0 for no internal appeals. 2 YES Art 6 of the FOI rules.
37 Requesters have the right to lodge an (external) appeal with an independent administrative oversight body (e.g. an information commission or ombudsman). 1 for partial, 2 for yes 2 YES Article 19
38 The member(s) of the oversight body are appointed in a manner that is protected against political interference and have security of tenure so they are protected against arbitrary dismissal (procedurally/substantively) once appointed. Score: 1 point for appointment procedure, 1 point for security of tenure 2 Partially 6(2) of the OFFICE OF WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) ORDER, 1983 says the president can dismiss the Waqafi for misconduct or incapacity but the Waqafi has the right to a review of the decision by the Supreme Judicial Council.
39 The oversight body reports to and has its budget approved by the parliament, or other effective mechanisms are in place to protect its financial independence. Score 1 point for reports to parliament, 1 point for budget approved by parliament 2 NO No - Article 6 of the OFFICE OF WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) ORDER, 1983 allows the president to determine his salary, but his staff\'s salary are established according to national pay grade standards (art . 8(3)). Still - I don\'t think they get a point for this - the top man is not protected. Art 25 of the same act says he reports to the President.
40 There are prohibitions on individuals with strong political connections from being appointed to this body and requirements of professional expertise. Score 1 point for not politically connected, 1 point for professional expertise 2 NO No - only limits in the OFFICE OF WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) ORDER, 1983 are that they cannot be a member of the legislature - not worth a point.
41 The independent oversight body has the necessary mandate and power to perform its functions, including to review classified documents and inspect the premises of public bodies. Score 1 point for reviewing classified documents, 1 point for inspection powers 2 YES OFFICE OF WAFAQI MOHTASIB (OMBUDSMAN) ORDER, 1983 - 10(9) - can view any document. Art 14 allows them to issue summons, Art 15 allows them to inspect any premises. Art 16 allows them to hold people in incontempt.
42 The decisions of the independent oversight body are binding. Score N=0, Y=2 points 2 NO Waqafi orders are not legally binding (Establishment of the Office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman) Order 1983).
43 In deciding an appeal, the independent oversight body has the power to order appropriate remedies for the requester, including the declassification of information. 1 for partial, 2 for fully 2 YES 19(2)
44 Requesters have the right to lodge a judicial appeal. 1 for partially, 2 for fully. 2 YES Yes - http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk/site/make-complaint/complaint-faqs.php#q14
45 Appeals to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are free of charge and do not require legal assistance. 1 for free, 1 for no lawyer required. 2 YES http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk/site/make-complaint/complaint-faqs.php#q7 - Their website says that services are free, and the process seems simple enough to do without a lawyer.
46 The grounds for appeal to the oversight body (where applicable, or to the judiciary if no such body exists) are broad (including not only refusals to provide information but also refusals to provide information in the form requested, administrative silence and other breach of timelines, charging excessive fees, etc.). Score 1 point for appealing refusals, additional points for appealing other violations. 4 Partially Confusing - the law seems to imply that complaints can go forward only on refusals. But the Waqafi\'s website says complaints can be made about any kind of \"maladministration\" - which would presumably include excessive fees, administrative silence, or a failure to follow the law. http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk/site/make-complaint/complaint-faqs.php#q1
47 Clear procedures, including timelines, are in place for dealing with external appeals (oversight/judicial). Score 1 point for clear procedures, 1 point for timelines. 2 Partially Procedures seem quite clear - but there are no timelines. http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk/site/make-complaint/complaint-faqs.php#q11
48 In the appeal process (oversight/judicial/) the government bears the burden of demonstrating that it did not operate in breach of the rules. Score Y/N and award 2 points for yes. 2 NO No - according to the Waqafi website both sides tell their story. There is no mention of a burden of proof.
49 The external appellate body has the power to impose appropriate structural measures on the public authority (e.g. to conduct more training or to engage in better record management) 1 for partial, 2 for fully. 2 YES The Waqafi seems to be able to issue broad recommendations and, if these are not followed, he files a reference with the President of Pakistan complaining.
50 Sanctions may be imposed on those who wilfully act to undermine the right to information, including through the unauthorised destruction of information. Score 1 point for sanctions for underming right, 1 point for destruction of documents 2 Partially Article 21 - but only for destruction of documents which, when destroyed, were the subject of a request.
51 There is a system for redressing the problem of public authorities which systematically fail to disclose information or underperform (either through imposing sanctions on them or requiring remedial actions of them). Score 1 point for either remedial action or sanctions, 2 points for both 2 YES The Waqafi\'s complaints process seems to satisfy this - they issue recommendations, and have a duty to follow up and if their recommendations aren\'t followed, are to file a reference with the president - http://www.mohtasib.gov.pk/site/make-complaint/complaint-faqs.php#q14
52 The independent oversight body and its staff are granted legal immunity for acts undertaken in good faith in the exercise or performance of any power, duty or function under the RTI Law. Others are granted similar immunity for the good faith release of information pursuant to the RTI Law. Score 1 for oversight body, 1 for immunity for others 2 YES Article 22
54 Public authorities are required to appoint dedicated officials (information officers) or units with a responsibility for ensuring that they comply with their information disclosure obligations. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 YES Art 10
55 A central body, such as an information commission(er) or government department, is given overall responsibility for promoting the right to information. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 NO No - the Waqafi\'s role is that of a generic overseer.
57 A system is in place whereby minimum standards regarding the management of records are set and applied. Score Y/N, Y=2 points 2 Partially This is mentioned in Art 4, but it\'s non-specific.