29/04/2026
On April 29, 2026, an important awareness seminar on Digital Literacy was held in Quetta at the central hall of the Balochistan Youth Resource Center under the Youth Directorate. The seminar focused on understanding the Right to Information (RTI) law in a modern digital context and emphasized its effective use.
The primary objective of the seminar was to raise awareness among youth that, in today’s era, transitioning towards a paperless and digital system has become essential for ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely access to information. In this regard, the use of digital tools holds key importance.
Speakers and participants agreed that youth are the true strength of any society, and an informed and aware youth can guarantee national progress. However, concerns were raised that the potential and digital skills of young people are not being fully utilized, leading to their energies often being wasted in unproductive activities. The speakers stressed the importance of proper training and guidance to encourage youth toward the positive and effective use of laws like RTI.
The seminar was organized by Aid Balochistan with financial support from National Endowment for Democracy. Administrative support was provided by volunteers from the Youth Public Accountability Forum, while the Youth Department extended full cooperation. The Balochistan Youth Resource Center contributed by providing the venue.
The chief guest of the seminar was Secretary Youth & Sports Department, Dura Baloch. Other key speakers included Director Youth Department Ilyas Baloch, Director Sports Dr. Yasir Bazai, Information Commissioner Balochistan Abdul Shakoor, Executive Director of Aid Balochistan Adil Jahangir, senior journalist Mir Bahram Baloch, and other notable personalities.
In his address, Dura Baloch appreciated Aid Balochistan’s efforts in empowering youth and raising awareness about the Right to Information. He stated that while RTI is an effective law, it must be used responsibly and with positive intent to promote collective progress rather than harm individuals. He further added that under the vision of Chief Minister Balochistan, Sarfaraz Bugti, policies are being developed and implemented to create opportunities for youth.
Senior Manager of Aid Balochistan, Mir Bahram Lehri, presented a comprehensive presentation highlighting the progress and struggle related to RTI from 2015 to 2026. Executive Director Adil Jahangir termed the establishment of the Information Commission, along with the appointment of commissioners and information officers, as a major achievement.
Senior journalist Mir Bahram Baloch highlighted the dangers of misinformation and disinformation, urging youth to use social media positively. Information Commissioner Abdul Shakoor discussed the challenges in implementing the RTI law, calling it a strong legal framework that requires careful use.
Development sector expert Wasim Bari delivered an informative presentation on the effective use of digital tools, while Zubair Ahmed from YPAF shared international best practices, emphasizing the importance of digital systems. Nasir Hussain and his team conducted a Q&A session, while Hissamuddin engaged participants through an interactive session. Shahida Batool, Coordinator at the Balochistan Youth Resource Center, urged youth to rely on accurate information and act as responsible citizens.
Participants from various walks of life attended the seminar, including Mushtaq Baloch, Muhammad Sami, Nasrullah, Ahad Agha, Samira Naz, Mir Bahram Lehri, Wasim Bari, Ismail Zeb, Inayat Sarparah, Muhammad Shoaib Sarparah, Rukhsana Abdul Haq, Sadiq Samalani, Nadeem Muhammad Hasni, Fiza Kanwal, Jamila, Nasir Hussain, Jameel Ahmed, Shaukat Marri, Ajab Khan, Hissamuddin, Zubair Ahmed, Zia Bangulzai, RJ Asim, Ashfaq Mengal, Rifat, Neelam, Nadeem Akbar, and others.
At the end of the seminar, a detailed Q&A session was held in which youth actively participated and raised questions regarding digital literacy and the Right to Information. The speakers reaffirmed their commitment that such initiatives can not only channel youth potential in a positive direction but also lay the foundation for a transparent, accountable, and digital society.
