Promoting Transparency and Access to Justice
In a critical step toward enhancing transparency in law enforcement, Horizon International Legal Experts LLC filed a petition advocating for the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to make First Information Reports (FIRs) publicly accessible, particularly in cases of public interest or involving arbitrary use of power.
The petition was prompted by multiple complaints from journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens who were unable to access FIRs filed against them or others—hindering their ability to obtain legal remedy or respond to false allegations. In contrast to police departments where FIRs are generally made available, the FIA maintained an opaque system, citing internal policy and national security concerns to deny access even in non-sensitive, civil or cybercrime-related matters.
Our legal team argued that this practice:
Violated Article 10-A of the Constitution (right to fair trial and due process);
Obstructed legal defense preparation;
Enabled misuse of authority through secretive prosecutions;
Undermined public trust in the justice system.
We requested the Honorable High Court to direct the FIA to:
Maintain an online public FIR repository similar to that of provincial police departments;
Issue certified copies to affected persons without unnecessary delay;
Establish clear criteria for cases where FIRs may justifiably be withheld (e.g., terrorism or national security) to prevent blanket denial.
The case drew widespread attention from civil society and the legal community, highlighting the urgent need for institutional transparency. The Court sought replies from the FIA and Ministry of Interior, and the matter remains under judicial scrutiny.
This petition serves as part of our broader mission to democratize access to justice and prevent arbitrary and clandestine use of criminal law mechanisms, especially under cybercrime and financial offense jurisdictions.
