29/01/2026
PUNJAB INFORMATION COMMISSION EMPOWERS PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICERS ACROSS 80 DEPARTMENTS THROUGH SPECIALIZED TRAINING
LAHORE
In a significant move toward enhancing transparency and government accountability, the Punjab Information Commission (PIC) conducted a comprehensive training session for Public Information Officers (PIOs). 80 different government departments attended this training. The session aimed to streamline the process of information dissemination under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, ensuring that citizens' inquiries are handled with efficiency and legal precision.
The training was led by Information Commissioner Bushra Saqib, who imparted detailed briefing to the attendees. She emphasized upon the critical role PIOs to be played as the first point of contact between the government and the public. Her session covered the RTI law, highlighting that "information is a fundamental right of the citizens, not a favor granted by the state." She also focused upon the proactive disclosure of information and the legal timelines for responding to public requests.
Participation: PIOs from 80 different provincial departments, like Governor Secretariat, Health & Population, Irrigation, S&GAD, LDA WASA, Metropolitan Corporation and C&W Punjab.
Following the training modules, a dynamic Q&A session was held to address the practical hurdles faced by officers in the field. Chief Information Commissioner Muhammad Malik Bhulla addressed the queries raised by the participants. He provided clarity on complex legal scenarios, exemptions, and the Commission's expectations regarding the quality of data provided to applicants.
