Open Records Laws › Pakistan

Open Records Laws in Pakistan

5 provinces & territories with public records laws.

Freedom of Information Ordinance

Freedom of Information Ordinance, 2002 (Ordinance No. XCVI of 2002)

Open Records Transparency: 72/100 (good) Transparency Score: 72/100

RTI Rating: 108 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
10 days
Extension
10 days
Residency Required
Citizen

10 working days; max 10-day extension. All deadlines are working days.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • In person — Submit at public body office
  • Mail — Written request by postal mail
  • Fax — Fax submission
  • Email — Email submission
  • Online — Online portal where available

Written request required. No reasons needed.

Required Elements

  • Written format
  • Sufficient detail to identify information
  • Complete address/contact

Fees

No filing fee. Commission may prescribe reproduction/delivery fees (amounts not specified).

Exemptions

  • File Notings
    Notings on files
  • Ministerial Classification
    Minister-declared classified (excludes corruption/HR)
  • International Relations
    Likely to damage international relations
  • Privacy
    Likely to invade privacy

Section 7: 8 mandatory exemptions. Section 16: 15 discretionary (20-year sunset). Limited public interest override for classified info only.

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

No internal review (costs 2 RTI points). Commission has contempt powers, can fine up to 100 days salary. PM appointment without parliamentary approval.

Sources & References

Provinces & Territories

Jurisdiction Law Response Days RTI Score
Balochistan Balochistan Right of Access to Information Act, 2021 20 —
Islamabad Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 10 —
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, 2013 10 137
Punjab Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013 14 —
Sindh Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 15 102