PIC Demands Transparency on NA Committees’ Expenses

News Desk

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has mandated the National Assembly Secretariat to disclose detailed information regarding the travel allowances, perks, and expenses of chairpersons and members of parliamentary standing committees and subcommittees.

This directive follows an appeal lodged by journalist Saddia Mazhar, highlighting the need for transparency in governmental financial dealings.

In an order issued by Information Commissioner Ijaz Hassan Awan and Chief Information Commissioner Shoaib Ahmad Siddiqui, the PIC has instructed the NA Secretariat to respond to 13 specific inquiries under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 (RTI Act) within a ten-day timeframe.

The request, submitted by Mazhar on June 21, sought comprehensive details about the functioning and financial expenditures of parliamentary committees from January 2025 onwards.

This move by the PIC underscores the growing demand for accountability in public spending, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges faced by the country. Citizens and watchdog organizations are increasingly advocating for transparency in how public funds are utilized, especially by elected officials and governmental bodies.

Looking ahead, the NA Secretariat’s compliance with the PIC’s order will be closely monitored, as it sets a precedent for future disclosures.

The outcome of this inquiry could influence public trust in parliamentary processes and may prompt further scrutiny of governmental financial practices.