State Bank Directed to Provide Information on Dual Nationality and Foreign Marriages of Officials

Islamabad: Pakistan Information Commission has issued an order directing the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to provide details regarding its officials who hold dual nationality, are married to foreign nationals, or are involved in consultancy work with NGOs and other organizations. The order came after the SBP failed to send a representative to the Commission’s hearing, despite being formally notified.

The appellant, who was present at the hearing, had requested the information under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017. The State Bank had previously informed the Commission in a letter dated May 14, 2024, that the requested information did not fall under the Act’s provisions. However, the Commission clarified that it is the Commission’s role, not the public body’s, to determine whether the information is subject to disclosure under the law.

In light of the SBP’s non-appearance at the hearing, the Commission proceeded with an ex parte hearing and decided the case in favor of the appellant. The appellant had sought several categories of information from the SBP, including a list of officials holding dual nationality, a list of officials married to foreign nationals, and details of SBP officers providing consultancy services to local or international NGOs, community development organizations, or nonprofit organizations. The appellant also requested information about any actions taken by the SBP against these officials.

The Commission ruled that all of the requested information constitutes public record and is not exempt from disclosure under any provision of the Right of Access to Information Act. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, and the Commission has directed the SBP’s designated Public Information Officer to furnish the required information within ten days.

A copy of the Commission’s order has been sent to the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, as well as the Public Information Officer, to ensure compliance. The case has been adjourned until November 4, 2024, for further proceedings.