Well done, Punjab Information Commission : Naeem Sadiq

The Express Tribune: Karanchi: Tuesday, 28 October 2014.

Unnoticed by most Pakistanis, an absolutely brilliant and outstanding event took place on October 24. In a system often described as dysfunctional and dilapidated, something actually began to deliver. In a bold and long-awaited move, the Punjab Information Commission handed out the first penalty of its kind for violation of the Punjab Right to Information (RTI) Act.

In June 2014, a government school teacher in Vehari had invoked the RTI law to seek from the Executive District Officer (EDO) a copy of an inquiry report against the teacher, as well as a seniority list of teachers. As expected and as experienced in 95 per cent of such cases, the EDO failed to provide the requested information. The brave Vehari teacher, as stated in the law, moved the Punjab Information Commission to look into the matter. The Commission found the EDO guilty of neglect and indifference. He was awarded the first penalty under the RTI law in Pakistan a fine equaling two months of his salary.

What makes this event so unique and so consequential? It sets the first precedence of its kind and delivers a strong message to all government functionaries. They ought to respect the citizens’ constitutional right to information. Failure to do so can now have serious consequences.

This event also demonstrates a behaviour model that needs to be emulated by the Federal and Provincial Ombudsmen. The inspector general (IG) of police Sindh has failed to provide information relating to policemen and police vehicles that are deployed on VIP duties a question asked under the RTI some six months back. Will the Sindh Ombudsman have the courage and the good sense to fine the IG Sindh for his neglect and indifference in providing the requested information? Understandably, the deduction of two months’ salary would be inconsequential for an IG. It would, however, succeed in delivering a message that the state needs to follow its own laws and needs to understand that it exists to serve the people and not the other way round.