IHC Reserves Verdict on NA Secretariat’s Petition Against PIC Order on Employees’ Data
The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its decision on a petition filed by the National Assembly Secretariat, challenging an order from the Pakistan Information Commission regarding the disclosure of details related to parliamentary standing committees and National Assembly employees. Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case.
During the hearing, Advocate Qasim Bhatti, representing the petitioner, journalist Saddia Mazhar, argued that the speaker’s ruling on this matter had been issued on October 4, six to eight months after the petition had been filed. He contended that “the Speaker cannot issue a ruling under the Act” regarding the disclosure of information.
During the hearing, learned counsel for the National Secretariat, argued that information about National Assembly sessions or standing committees could not be shared. He told the court that a ruling by the Speaker was already in place on the issue. “The Speaker’s ruling states that information regarding proceedings of any session cannot be provided,” the counsel submitted before the court.
The case centers around whether details related to parliamentary standing committees and NA employees, including their privilege motions and actions taken, can be shared with the public. Saddia Mazhar had filed a request for information concerning the actions taken on privilege motions filed by members of the National Assembly and the absorption of government officers into the National Assembly Secretariat.
The Pakistan Information Commission had earlier directed the National Assembly Secretariat to provide this information. However, instead of complying with the Commission’s order, the Secretariat filed a writ petition before the IHC, challenging the directive.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its judgment. The ruling is awaited, as it will have significant consequences for the transparency and access to information regarding the operations and personnel of the National Assembly.