ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has imposed a financial penalty equivalent to 15 days’ salary on the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO). This action was in response to the CEO’s failure to furnish information to a citizen under the provisions of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The citizen in question, Wasim Mehsud, had lodged an appeal with the PIC, seeking information related to transformers, HT and LT poles, and various wires installed in the district of Tank over the past three years. Mehsud also requested details on the location of these installations, the types of equipment used, and any maintenance or repair work conducted during this period. Additionally, he sought information on officials responsible for collecting money on illegal connections, along with any inquiries conducted on this matter.
PIC Directs PESCO to Provide Requested Information within 10 Days
Despite multiple hearing notices issued to PESCO, no representative from the electric supply company appeared before the Commission. Consequently, the PIC proceeded with ex parte proceedings and directed PESCO to provide the requested information within 10 days, excluding the location of installations due to security concerns.
Regrettably, the CEO of PESCO failed to comply with this order, neither submitting a response nor appearing before the Commission, even after a show cause notice was issued.
In response to PESCO’s non-compliance, the PIC invoked Section 20(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act and imposed the financial penalty on the CEO. The Secretary of the Ministry of Energy (Power Division) has been instructed to recover the penalty from the CEO’s salary and submit a compliance report.
The Commission has reiterated its previous order, emphasizing the need for PESCO to promptly share the requested information without further delay.
