Courts and procedure · For citizens
Ask the government. 10 working days to reply.
In short
Make a written request to the public body's designated official. Under the federal Right of Access to Information Act 2017 it must respond within 10 working days, extendable by 10 more (s.14), and you need not give reasons (s.11). Punjab and Sindh have their own Acts.
By the FAI Legal editorial desk · 12 October 2026 · 11 slides · 2 min read
Myth or fact?
What people usually think.
- Myth: Government files are secret. Ordinary people cannot ask for them.
- Fact: Access to information in matters of public importance is a fundamental right (Constitution Art.19A). Any citizen may ask a federal public body (RTI Act 2017, s.11).
The right itself.
Article 19A, Constitution of Pakistan.
“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 law.”
Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 · Article 19A, Right to information
How to ask.
Section 11, Right of Access to Information Act 2017.
- In writingIn person, by mail, fax, online or e-mail (s.11(2)).
- Be specificIdentify the record clearly. Give your address and contact details (s.11(3)).
- No reasonsYou cannot be required to give reasons for your request (s.11).
Quick quiz. How long?
Guess first, then swipe for the answer.
- A. As long as it likes
- B. 10 working days, plus up to 10 more
- C. Six months
Answer: B. Section 14.
And three days when a life is at stake.
“(1) … a public body shall be required to respond to a request as soon as possible and in any case within ten working days of receipt of the request. (2) The period … may be extended by maximum of further ten working days … (3) Information needed to protect the life and liberty of any individual shall be provided within three working days.”
Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 · Section 14, Time limit for responding
If they refuse.
Section 13. Rules for a no.
- In writingA refusal comes by written notice (s.13(2)).
- The exact exceptionIf exempt, the notice must name it and your right to appeal (s.13(2)(b)(iv)).
- Senior sign-offThe official needs the principal officer's written approval first (s.13(4)).
What courts have said.
Three judgments.
- PLD 2020 SC 1Acts of Parliament and subordinate legislation are public documents and must be readily available.
- PLD 2023 Lah. 278A club substantially financed by the government had to answer under Punjab's law.
- PLD 2026 Isl. 118The federal Act does not reach constitutional bodies like the Election Commission.
Provincial office?
Punjab and Sindh have their own laws.
- PunjabThe Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act 2013. No need to explain your interest (PLD 2020 Lah. 110).
- SindhThe Sindh Act of 2016. The Sindh High Court expects the request to show public importance (PLD 2025 Sindh 1).
Need a record?
Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.
- How do I ask a federal ministry for a copy of a notification?
- Draft a request under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.
Example questions
What this does not mean
- The 10 working day limit is under the federal Right of Access to Information Act 2017. It applies to federal public bodies, not to every office in the country.
- Provincial offices fall under provincial laws. Punjab has its 2013 Act and Sindh its 2016 Act.
- The federal Act does not reach constitutional bodies like the Election Commission (PLD 2026 Isl. 118).
Questions people ask
How do I file an RTI request in Pakistan?
Make a written request to the public body, in person, by mail, fax, online or e-mail (s.11(2)). Identify the record clearly and give your address and contact details (s.11(3)).
How many days does the government have to reply to an RTI request?
Under the federal Act, within ten working days of receipt. This can be extended by at most ten more working days (s.14).
Do I have to give a reason for asking for information?
No. You cannot be required to give reasons for your request (s.11). Under the Punjab law, there is also no need to explain your interest (PLD 2020 Lah. 110).
What if the information is needed to save a life?
Information needed to protect the life and liberty of any individual shall be provided within three working days (s.14(3)).
What can I do if my RTI request is refused?
A refusal must come by written notice (s.13(2)). If it relies on an exemption, the notice must name it and your right to appeal (s.13(2)(b)(iv)).
Sources
- Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 · Article 19A
Right to information Pakistan Code - Right of Access to Information Act, 2017 · Section 14
Time limit for responding
Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review. How we check.
