Sports Department Goes Silent on Information Requests

Sports Department Goes Silent on Information Requests

Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – A journalist in Peshawar is locked in a battle for transparency with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Department. Musarrat Ullah Jan, a citizen with a keen eye for accountability, has accused the department of failing to respond to multiple RTI requests submitted since 2022.

Jan, exercising his right under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Act, has filed numerous online applications seeking information from the Sports Department. Disappointingly, all requests have been met with silence. This lack of response not only hinders Jan’s journalistic endeavors but also raises concerns about the department’s commitment to openness and public scrutiny.

The RTI applications pertain to various aspects of the Sports Department’s operations. Specific details remain undisclosed due to the pending nature of the requests. However, Jan’s pursuit of information highlights the potential for a larger issue of secrecy within the department.

Jan has taken his fight for transparency to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Right to Information Commission. He has filed a formal complaint urging the commission to:

Direct the Sports Department to respond promptly and completely to all pending RTI applications.

Impose a fine on the department’s PIO (Public Information Officer) for non-compliance with the RTI Act.

Instruct the Sports Department to implement measures guaranteeing timely responses to future RTI requests.

The RTI Commission is yet to respond to the complaint. This case underscores the challenges citizens face in obtaining information from government departments. It is yet to be seen if the Commission will intervene and ensure transparency prevails at the Sports Department.