Huzaifa Rahman Steps Down from Information Commissioner Role
ISLAMABAD: In a surprising development, Huzaifa Rahman, a member of the Pakistan Information Commission, tendered his resignation from the post of Information Commissioner. Rahman formally submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, citing personal reasons as the cause for his immediate resignation.
In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, Rahman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as an Information Commissioner (Honorary) for the past six months. He emphasized his commitment to the citizens of Pakistan and his willingness to continue contributing to the nation in the future.
Remarkably, Rahman disclosed that he had undertaken his responsibilities on a voluntary and honorary basis. He mentioned that he did not receive any salary, travel allowances, or perks during his tenure, aiming to contribute to the public exchequer and considering the economic conditions of the country.
Rahman forwarded copies of his resignation to key officials, including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Secretary Establishment Division, Secretary Cabinet Division, and Secretary Information & Broadcasting.
Huzaifa Rahman, appointed as an Information Commissioner on June 8, 2023, represented the Civil Society category, as mandated by Section 18 (3) (c) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The Act specifies that one member of the Commission should be from civil society with a degree based on sixteen years of education and a minimum of fifteen years of experience in the field of social sciences.
The Pakistan Information Commission comprises three members appointed by the Prime Minister, with each member representing different categories. Other two members of the information commission include Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui and Ijaz Hassan Awan.
About Pakistan Information Commission:
Pakistan Information Commission is an independent and autonomous enforcement body, established under Section 18 of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 to ensure implementation of this Act. Its role is to establish mechanisms so that citizens of Pakistan can exercise their constitutional right of access to information in matters of public importance. In this connection, it takes steps for public awareness of the law, helps federal public bodies comply with the law, trains public information officers, monitors their performance, decides complaints and takes action against those failing to comply with the provisions of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.