PIC Orders Inquiry into Allegations of Concealment and False Information

Islamabad: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has ordered an inquiry into allegations of concealment of information and the provision of false data following a complaint lodged by a citizen Arshad Hussain. The inquiry, initiated under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, revolves around accusations of financial mismanagement and the withholding of critical information by officials.

In an order dated September 18, 2024, the Commission directed the Assistant Director of PIC to conduct a thorough investigation into the appellant’s claims and submit a report within 15 days. The appellant has alleged that payments were made from the ECF bank account to fund an Umrah trip via the Islamabad-Egypt-Saudi Arabia route. Despite this, Mr. Rehan Adil, Secretary of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), provided a written statement denying any payment for this trip, a claim the appellant believes is false.

Further allegations involve a Bangkok tour, where Mr. Adil also denied any cash withdrawals. However, media reports cited evidence of two significant withdrawals: one for Rs. 2,532,250 and another for Rs. 8,085,000 through cheque numbers 978 and 979 from HBL. These cheques were reportedly signed by both Dr. Sardar Moazzam and Mr. Adil, suggesting a discrepancy between the written statement and the actual financial activities.

In addition to the financial irregularities, the appellant accused the authorities of concealing crucial information despite an earlier order from the Commission. Among the concealed documents is the inquiry report regarding a road accident involving a government vehicle (White Lancer-897) on July 12, 2023. The appellant seeks details about the accident’s location, the identity of the driver at the time, and whether an FIR or any report was filed with the insurance company.

Moreover, the appellant highlighted that there has been no disclosure of the compliance certificate required under the Public Sector Companies (Corporate Governance) Rules, 2013, regarding the appointments of the CFO and Company Secretary. He also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the recruitment process for the position of CFO, which was advertised under PID (1)1544/21.

Further inquiries include the approval and reporting mechanisms for cash withdrawals and any established ceilings for such transactions. The appellant has also demanded details on compliance with the State-Owned Enterprises (Governance & Operation) Act, 2023, which governs the operations of state-owned enterprises.

The Commission has set the next hearing for October 17, 2024, by which time the inquiry report is expected to be completed and presented.