October 5, 2015, Peshawar: The Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) flagship radio program Sabawoon (Dawn), on Monday, focused on the Right to Public Services  Act, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) and the role of the Right to Public Services Commission. The key points of discussion were the Right to Public Services Commission’s powers, government legislations for public services and public awareness.

The program was aired under the theme “Jarga Marraka” (Public Dialogue).  Mr. Azmat Hanif Orakzai, Chief Commissioner of the Right to Public Services Commission, KP, and Mr. Riaz Daudzai, a senior journalist from KP, participated in the show as guests. A report from Peshawer on the theme of the program was aired during the show as well. The story focused on the change agenda of the political party Pakistan Tehreek–e-Insaf (PTI) and public awareness about how the change can benefit them. It also emphasized on the Right to Public Services Act and the manner in which the general public can complain about any delay in essential state service delivery.

Two callers participated in the live program. Mr. Waheed Gul from Lakki Marwat said, “It is indeed a good step taken by the KP government, but unfortunately the public is not aware. There should be a way to spread awareness so people can demand their rights.”Another caller, Mr. Rashid from Peshawar, said, “It has been a whole year since the act was passed, but it is not being implemented.”

Mr. Azmat Hanif Orakzai, Chief Commissioner, Right to Public Services Commission KP

“The Right to Public Services Act aims include: a) public service organizations should be bound to a certain time limit in providing services to the public, b) the file processing in public organizations should be done within time, c) public servants will be penalized if they do not perform their duties on time. The Right to Public Services Commission has provided monitoring officers in all the districts of KP. Their job is to give constant feedback to the commission.”

Mr. Riaz Daudzai, a senior journalist from KP

“The commission should focus on the awareness of the Right to Public Services Act as a majority of the educated people are not aware about the act or commission. Radio, newspapers and the civil society in general can help spread awareness.”