Islamabad : The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) is an independent and autonomous body that was established under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017 to ensure the implementation of this law, & promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in the country.
The commission is responsible for ensuring that public bodies provide access to information to citizens and guaranteeing their right to access information
Power and Authority
The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has the power and authority to receive and process complaints from citizens who are denied access to information by public bodies.
The PIC has the authority to issue directives, prescribe procedures, provide technical support, conduct. training, undertake awareness campaigns, compile user handbooks and guidelines, and submit bi-annual reports on the enforcement of the right to information
The commission can conduct investigations into these complaints and take necessary measures to ensure the implementation of the act. The commission can also issue orders to public bodies to provide access to information to citizens and impose penalties on public officials who fail to comply with the act.
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If an official is found guilty of obstructing the access to information, the PIC has the authority to impose penalty on him. The penalty is a fine equivalent to his salary for one day, for a maximum of a hundred days.
The penalty is imposed after giving the official an opportunity to show cause why he should not be penalized.
The PIC also has the power to punish anyone who willfully destroys or otherwise obstructs access to information that is subject to an RTI request or complaint to the Commission. Such an act is a criminal offence punishable with imprisonment for up to two years and or with fine which shall not be less than one hundred thousand rupees or with both.
The PIC can direct the concerned authority to initiate disciplinary action against such person as well.
Functions
The primary function of the Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) is to promote transparency and accountability in public bodies by ensuring the implementation of the Right of Access (RTI) to Information Act, 2017.
The commission achieves this by receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, and taking necessary measures to ensure compliance with the act.
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The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) also provides training and awareness-raising programs to the public to help them understand their rights and how to use the act to access information. Moreover, the PIC monitors the implementation of the act by public bodies and recommends amendments to the act to ensure that it remains relevant and effective in promoting transparency and accountability.
Legal Framework
The PIC was established under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017. This act provides citizens with the right to access information held by public bodies and defines the responsibilities of public bodies in providing access to information.
The act outlines the procedures for making requests for information, the timelines for responding to requests, and the mechanisms for appealing decisions made by public bodies.
The act also establishes the RTIC as the oversight body responsible for ensuring the implementation of the act.
Salaries, Perks, and Privileges
The salaries, perks, and privileges of the PIC members are determined by the government.
The members of the commission are appointed by the President of Pakistan on the advice of the Prime Minister, and they hold office for a term of three years.
The chairperson and members of the commission are entitled to salaries, allowances, and other perks and privileges as determined by the government.
Budgets
The PIC is funded by the federal government. The commission prepares its annual budget, which is approved by the government.
The budget includes the commission’s operational costs, such as salaries, office rent, and equipment, as well as funds for training and awareness-raising programs and other activities related to the commission’s functions.
In conclusion, the PIC plays a crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in public bodies by ensuring the implementation of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017. The commission has the power and authority to receive and process complaints, conduct investigations, and issue orders to public bodies to provide access to information to citizens. 
The commission’s functions include promoting the right to access information, monitoring the implementation of the act by public bodies, providing guidance and support to public bodies, and building partnerships with stakeholders. The legal framework governing the commission is the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, which outlines the procedures for making requests for information, the timelines for responding to requests, and the mechanisms for appealing decisions made by public bodies.
