For years, Pakistan’s citizens have faced endless delays, red tape, and indifference in accessing basic public services. A birth certificate, a death record, even access to clean water — often came with frustration and uncertainty. But a quiet institutional shift is now attempting to rewrite that story.
The Right to Public Services Commission (RTPSC) is a landmark step toward reshaping the relationship between citizens and the state — one where governance is transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric. It doesn’t just promise services. It guarantees them.
At its core, the RTPSC enforces the Right to Public Services — a legal entitlement that ensures specific government services are provided within a stipulated timeframe. These include crucial documents like domicile certificates, birth and death records, and utilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation. If these are delayed or denied without reason, action can be taken against the responsible officials.
The commission operates on multiple levels:
Monitoring delivery across departments.
Grievance redressal for delayed or rejected applications.
Imposing penalties on officials failing their duties.
Raising awareness to educate citizens about their rights.
Policy recommendations to improve service delivery frameworks.
But RTPSC’s work is not without challenges. A lack of public awareness means many citizens don’t even know they can demand timely services. Bureaucratic resistance — the unwillingness of some officials to be held accountable — continues to slow down reforms. In rural areas, limited access to digital systems also poses a significant barrier.
Internally, the commission must also navigate resource and staffing shortages, making large-scale implementation difficult. Despite these hurdles, the vision remains intact.
To enhance its reach and impact, the RTPSC aims to:
Launch targeted awareness campaigns.
Expand digital access to services.
Train both commission staff and government officials.
Advocate for legal reforms to widen the scope of covered services.
The shift the RTPSC represents is quiet but profound. It sends a clear message: citizenship comes with rights, not just obligations. Public services are no longer favours extended at the discretion of officials. They are promises backed by law, with mechanisms in place to ensure delivery.
In a country where trust in institutions often runs low, the RTPSC offers a rare story of hope — one where governance can, and must, be built on transparency, responsiveness, and justice.
