The Government of Pakistan recently introduced the Right to Information as a fundamental right in the Constitution of Pakistan through the 18th Constitutional Amendment. Article 19A states, ‘every citizen shall have the right to have access to information in all matters of public importance subject to regulation and reasonable restrictions imposed by the law.’ The Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation Act 1973, aims to improve awareness and education through quality programmes to the public at large, but does not specifically target children.
The right to information is a democratic right and particularly pertinent so far as overcoming red-tape in accessing information from government departments is concerned. It is also an essential right guaranteeing freedom of the Press, and imperative for youth, as well as adults, working in the media and investigative journalism.