PASSCO’s Doors Unlocked: RTI Act, 2017 Integrated For Public Inquiry

APP

Islamabad: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has ruled that Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Service Corporation (PASSCO) is a public body under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

According to the press release issued by the PIC, this decision emphasises the dedication to transparency and the fundamental right of citizens to access essential information.

The ruling comes in response to an appeal filed by a citizen titled ‘Naeem Sadiq vs Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Service Corporation,’ which led to the Commission issuing a comprehensive judgment.”

The commission’s order clarifies that PASSCO, even though it holds the status of a corporate commercial entity as a public limited company with 75 percent of its capital held by commercial banks and 25 percent by the federal government, performs a substantial public role.

The federal government holds administrative authority over PASSCO, as established by Rule of Business (Entry No. 31). In accordance with Section 2(ix) (d), (g), and (h) of the RTI Act, 2017, this unequivocally categorises PASSCO as a public entity.

It also discussed the reference (2002 PLC (C.S.) 1650) mentioned by PASSCO in its written statement, underscoring that this case pertained to an employee dispute rather than the organisational status of PASSCO.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan ruled that, for certain purposes, PASSCO employees are deemed to be “civil servants.” However, when PASSCO is both administratively controlled by the Federal Government and performs public functions, it unquestionably falls within the definition of a public body under the RTI Act.

The Commission firmly rejected PASSCO’s claim that it does not qualify as a public body under Section 2(ix) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

In line with this ruling, the Pakistan Information Commission has directed PASSCO to provide the requested information to the appellant within 10 working days, ensuring the protection of citizens’ right to access vital information held by public bodies.

This decision represents a significant step in strengthening transparency, accountability, and citizens’ rights to access information in Pakistan.