PIC Summons Air University VC To Appear On October 18

News Desk

Islamabad: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has summoned Air University Vice Chancellor Javaid Ahmed to appear before the commission along with the case record on October 18.

The hearing has been called against the Air University department’s failure to provide complete information requested by a citizen under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

According to the notification, which states, “In exercise of the powers vested in this commission, you [Vice Chancellor] are summoned to appear before the commission or through your PIO or designated officer (not below the rank of BS-19) to represent your department or public body at the time of the hearing.”

“Failure to attend the hearing will result in an ex-parte decision and the responsible person will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Act,” it further states.

According to the details, a citizen had submitted a request letter to the Air University, a federally chartered public sector university, on August 30th under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017.

“Regrettably, despite several follow-ups and a lapse of time (more than 24 working days), the requested information has not been provided yet,” he stated.

After the necessary examination of the complaint and evidence received, the PIC has fixed the regular hearing for October 18 at 11:30 AM.

It is to mention that under the Right for Access to Information Act 2017, all public bodies at the federal level are bound to provide the requested information to citizens of Pakistan within ten working days, whereas the Commission can exercise the powers of the civil court to issue summons for witnesses or records.

If an official is found guilty, the Commission also holds the power to impose penalties, including a fine and imprisonment for up to two years. Similarly, destroying any record is a punishable offense according to the said law.