COVID-19 Myths

The spread of the corona virus (covid-19) accompanies with it the spread of several myths. This is bound to happen in today’s information age where people not only consume but also produce immense amounts of information and also misinformation. WHO has clarified on several myths mentioned below that no longer holds true. The spread of the corona virus accompanies with it the spread of several myths. This is bound to happen in today’s information age where people not only consume but also produce immense amounts of information and also misinformation. WHO has clarified on several myths mentioned below that no longer holds true. A vaccine to cure COVID-19 is available. There are... more

50% of population shares only 15 % of representation in COVID Response!!

To implement the National Action Plan for COVID-19 disease, a number of committees have been set up by government of Pakistan. These committees are responsible for the health security surveillance, detection and prevention mechanism. However, it is concerning that these committees are dominated by men with negligible representation from women. Incorporating women's voices and knowledge could be empowering and improve outbreak preparedness and response. Despite the WHO Executive Board recognizing the need to include women in decision making for outbreak preparedness and response, there is inadequate women's representation in national COVID-19 policy... more

Right to Information (RTI) and citizens of Pakistan

Have you ever felt weak and hopeless in front of government institutions in Pakistan? Have you ever performed excellent in an exam but later the mark-sheet displayed opposite? Have you ever been disqualified from a job despite of your success in tests and interviews? Are you a senior citizen waiting for post-retirement allowances and allotment of pension? Have you ever felt that, you cannot question the decisions of government institutions and your voice can never enter the doors of public bodies? Right to information (RTI) is a powerful tool to solve such problems; RTI can break the wheel of secrecy and authoritarianism. Article 19-A of Constitution of Pakistan; protects citizen’s... more

Relationship between Right to Information and Good Governance

‘Right to Information’ (RTI) has been accepted as a fundamental human right by the United Nations. More than 123 countries have enacted RTI laws to facilitate their citizens with an easy access to government held information. This results in greater transparency, eradication of corruption, favoritism and nepotism in the system. In other words, the citizen’s right to information results in good governance. RTI is a powerful instrument to fight against corruption. Good governance is characterized by political accountability, availability of freedom, bureaucratic accountability, availability of information, law abiding citizens and cooperation between government and society.... more