Shahid Rind says access to authentic information is the public’s basic right

BALOCHISTAN: Adviser to the Chief Minister of Balochistan for Information and Political Affairs Shahid Rind has said in his message on World Development Information Day that public access to accurate and authentic information on development matters is their basic right and an important requirement of transparent governance. Informed citizens can not only benefit better from development projects but also play an effective role in monitoring government measures and ensuring accountability.

Digital literacy and public participation

Shahid Rind said that raising public awareness about development information and promoting digital literacy are an important need of the time. He said the timely provision of authentic information through modern digital technology helps ensure transparency in development projects, prevent corruption and deliver the benefits of public welfare to deserving people.

He said that accurate figures and information based on ground realities are of fundamental importance for the effective planning of development projects and the fair distribution of resources. When people are informed about the objectives, allocated resources, progress and expected benefits of development projects, public trust grows and citizens’ participation in the development process is encouraged.

The Adviser to the Chief Minister said that the real aim of development is to take its benefits to all sections of society, particularly people in backward and remote areas. To achieve this, he said, access to development information must be ensured without discrimination, and people must be given easy, understandable and authentic information through modern media.

Shahid Rind said that the Information Department is an important link between the public and the government. He said it plays a key role in informing people about development measures, public welfare projects and government policies. World Development Information Day is an occasion to renew the resolve to make public access to information more effective, to promote the positive use of digital means, and to pave the way for sustainable development based on transparency, accountability and public participation.