PG sends ICOM case against state for police investigation

The Prosecutor General’s Office on Tuesday, has forwarded Information Commissioner’s Office (ICOM)’s case against the government for police investigation.

In its case against the President’s Office, ICOM said the office was refusing to disclose information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Under the RTI Act, ICOM can file cases with the PG Office against the parties that either fail to appeal its cases, or adhere to its notice within 45 days from the date of the notice.

ICOM submitted the case with supporting documents to PG Office after elapse of the 45-day period for President’s Office to respond.

A statement from PG on the matter said that the criminal charges pressed by the state against parties should complete a specific extent of investigation. PG said it forwarded the case to police to ascertain if the case includes any act of criminal offense, after which the law enforcement authority will submit its findings to PG.

PG further said it would make a formal decision about pressing charges after reviewing the police investigation report, affirming it would assure all legal procedures are followed in the process.

Ahmed Ahid Rasheed, the Information Commissioner, spoke to ‘Sun’ on Monday confirming the office is seeking to press charges of noncooperation against the President’s Office.

Ahid said that President’s Office failed to provide details of the Covid vaccine procurement within the mandated period. He added ICOM is currently seeking to press additional charges against the President’s Office over refusal to disclose information, but did not specify the exact number of charges ICOM is seeking to press.