LAHORE: Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) has urged the Punjab Information Commission (PIC) to investigate allegations that the Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) violated the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013, Article 19-A of the Constitution and orders of the provincial information watchdog by failing to provide information sought by a citizen regarding university expenditures.
In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Information Commissioner Punjab Information Commission, TIP said it had received a complaint alleging persistent denial of access to public records by the university despite repeated requests made under the right to information law and subsequent legal remedies available to citizens.
The anti-corruption organisation stated that after reviewing the complaint, it found that the allegations appeared, prima facie, to be correct and warranted examination by the commission.
According to the complaint forwarded by TIP, the applicant had submitted information requests to the registrar and vice chancellor of Islamia University Bahawalpur on Nov 29 and Dec 18, 2024, seeking official records relating to a number of electrical repair, maintenance and procurement expenditures incurred by the university.
The complainant alleged that despite repeated follow ups, the university failed to provide any response within the statutory timeframe prescribed under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.
The watchdog emphasised that Section 10(7) of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013 clearly requires public information officers to respond to applications “as soon as possible” and in any event within 14 working days.
