Balochistan Information Commission Upholds Citizen’s Right to Information, Orders Hospital to Share Key Records
The Balochistan Information Commission has passed a significant order in favor of Aun Ali, a citizen who filed an appeal seeking information under the Balochistan Right to Information Act, 2021 (RTI Act), against Sandman Provincial Hospital, Quetta.
The Commission’s order, dated 6 May 2026, mandates the hospital to provide detailed information regarding its records, including stock registers, procurement data, and the availability of medicines.
Aun Ali’s appeal arose after the hospital declined to provide the requested information, citing various objections. The hospital’s Focal Person submitted a reply on March 12, 2026, claiming the information could not be shared. In response, Aun Ali filed a detailed rejoinder disputing these assertions.
Upon reviewing the case, the Balochistan Information Commission examined the RTI request, the hospital’s reply, and Aun Ali’s rejoinder. The Commission ruled that the RTI application was duly submitted, and the objections raised by the hospital were legally unsustainable.
The Commission also noted that the hospital’s failure to comply with its statutory obligations under Sections 4, 6, 7, and 10 of the RTI Act was a violation of the citizen’s right to information.
The Commission specifically addressed the issue of the Medical Superintendent’s authority. It dismissed the hospital’s claim that the Medical Superintendent was not the competent authority to release the requested information.
According to the Commission, under Sections 2(i) and 4 of the Act, “record” includes all documents maintained by a public body, including stock registers and procurement data, which the Medical Superintendent, as the administrative head, is responsible for maintaining and providing.
In its ruling, the Commission emphasized that the hospital’s failure to issue a proper response and cite valid exemptions was a constructive denial of information. The Commission found that the refusal to provide information was not justified by law and ordered the hospital to furnish the requested details within 15 working days.
The information to be provided includes the availability of medicines at the hospital, along with any related electronic or ERP-based data. Furthermore, the hospital is directed to provide the information as it exists on record, up to a clearly specified cut-off date.
The Commission also directed Sandman Provincial Hospital to immediately designate a Public Information Officer, as required by Section 6(1) of the RTI Act, and notify the Commission of this appointment. The failure to comply with these directives will result in legal proceedings, including the imposition of penalties under Section 22 of the RTI Act.
In conclusion, the Balochistan Information Commission upheld Aun Ali’s right to access the information, stating that the requested details were crucial for public welfare, transparency, and accountability in the health sector.
The Commission’s ruling reinforces the importance of the RTI Act in ensuring that public institutions fulfill their obligations to provide access to information that directly affects citizens’ rights and interests.