Islamabad: On the International Day for Universal Access to Information, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the state’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen has the right to information, calling it a cornerstone of democracy, transparency, and accountability.
In his message, President Zardari stressed that “the free flow of information promotes transparency, accountability, and good governance.” He warned that misinformation and fake news have become one of today’s biggest challenges, eroding national unity and public trust in institutions. He urged the media to practice responsible reporting and citizens to avoid spreading unverified content on social media.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his statement, said that access to information is not only a democratic right but also a guarantee of transparent governance, institutional accountability, and public empowerment. He highlighted that Pakistan has introduced laws and institutional reforms, including the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 and the Pakistan Information Commission, to strengthen this right.
The premier underlined that inclusive access to information, particularly for women, youth, and marginalized groups, is vital in the digital era. He called upon government bodies, civil society, media, and technology platforms to work collectively towards building a more open, transparent, and knowledge-driven society — one that empowers citizens, strengthens democracy, and accelerates national progress.
