ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) has released its latest report on public access to information in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, revealing significant gaps in transparency across government institutions.
The report shows that on average, KP public sector organisations are disclosing only 57% of the required information. FAFEN conducted a comprehensive review of 190 public institutions in the province to assess compliance with the KP Right to Information Act.
COMPLIANCE LEVELS
The report details that information across twelve mandatory categories was assessed. Secretariat and autonomous institutions achieved a compliance rate of 64%, while attached departments disclosed less than 50% of the required information.
Certain departments performed notably well, with the Auqaf and Hajj Department and the Minerals Department recording 92% transparency. The Institute of Molecular Sciences, Central Jail Peshawar, and Peshawar Development Authority each achieved 83%, while the Agricultural University Peshawar also disclosed 92% of required information. Despite these successes, over half of the institutions remained below 50% transparency.
INFORMATION AVAILABILITY
FAFEN noted that some departments provide only 17 to 25% of information on their websites. However, 89% of institutions published details about their organisational structure and functions, and legal framework information was available on 84% of websites.
Financial transparency was reported as weak, with only 27% of institutions publishing budget details. Information on decision-making processes and public consultation was disclosed by just 15% of departments. Details related to subsidies, permits, and concessions were notably scarce. While 94% of institutions listed the information categories they maintain, only 29% provided contact details for Public Information Officers (PIOs).
CITIZEN OVERSIGHT
FAFEN highlighted that inconsistent implementation limits citizen oversight. The report calls for timely and accurate online information to be made available by government institutions to enhance accountability and public trust.