The Pakistan Information Commission has issued a show cause notice to the President of Aga Khan University under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, after finding non-compliance with a prior order requiring disclosure of an internal inquiry into a leaked examination paper.
In an order dated 11-08-2025 the Commission concluded that Aga Khan University is a public body under the RTI Act and directed the institution to provide certified copies of the investigation report into the paper leak of 6 August 2023, the inquiry committee’s recommendations, names of committee members with their Terms of Reference, and details of AKU employees and outsiders allegedly involved.
The appellant had also requested information on disciplinary and legal actions taken against those implicated, whether complaints were filed with law enforcement agencies, and what preventive measures were adopted to avoid future leaks. Despite notices, no representative attended the PIC hearing; the university submitted a written reply asserting it does not qualify as a public body under Section 2(ix) of the Act.
The appellant countered that Aga Khan University was established by the Aga Khan University Order, 1983, amended in 2002, giving it statutory corporate status with perpetual succession, the capacity to hold property and to sue or be sued in its corporate name. The appellant also noted federal land grants, government subsidies and tax exemptions enjoyed by the university and its registration under a licence from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan.
After reviewing documents and arguments the Commission held that under Section 2(ix)(d) any statutory corporation or body established by the Federal Government falls within the definition of a public body. The PIC found that the requested information regarding the inquiry did not fall under any exemption in the law and that there was no legal justification for withholding it.
Accordingly, the Commission allowed the appeal and directed the President of Aga Khan University to furnish all requested documents and details to both the appellant and the Commission within ten days. The newly issued show cause notice requires the President to explain why proceedings under Section 20(1)(f) should not be initiated if the order is not followed.
The decision carries local significance for transparency and accountability for institutions that benefit from federal support. The ruling clarifies application of the RTI Act to statutory universities and reinforces the PIC’s mandate to secure public access to inquiry records related to the exam paper leak.
