This paper makes the point that freedom of information is obligatory for good governance and is an undeniable human right. There is rising recognition among the policy makers that transparency and citizens right to information are significant for successfully fighting corruption and providing good governance. The implemented steps are inadequate, fruitless and with a limited focus. It further mentions the Principles of freedom of information as, maximum revelation, compulsion to publish, promotion of open government, narrowly defined exceptions, facilitation for access, revelation takes priority. It discusses the factors hindering transparency and access to information which includes rules and regulations requiring privacy, inefficient maintenance of public records, State of infrastructure, Obstructive attitudes of concerned officials, insufficient Legal and Institutional Framework for Freedom of Information.FOI laws in India and Pakistan are also compared.