Citizen seeks RTI on Khanewal Civic projects after social media concerns

The application, filed by Muhammad Abrar Ahmed Sial, requests certified information regarding development funds utilized by the District

By Muhammad Aamir Hussaini

KHANEWAL: Amid growing discussion on social media over the reported poor quality of development projects in Khanewal—including sewerage works, street lighting, water supply schemes, and allegations of irregular or bogus payments—a local citizen has submitted a formal application under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013 to the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner, Ms. Hena Arshad, seeking official records related to public spending.

The application, filed by Muhammad Abrar Ahmed Sial, requests certified information regarding development funds utilized by the District Council Khanewal and the Municipal Corporation Khanewal during the 2023–2026 fiscal years. The requested records include details of tenders, work orders, payments made to contractors, procurement of machinery and office equipment, emergency works executed under the D-59 category, and expenditures incurred on official events held on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal and Pakistan’s Independence Day (14 August).

According to the applicant, the request was submitted in the public interest with the objective of promoting transparency and enabling citizens to examine the use of public funds. The Deputy Commissioner reportedly marked the application to the Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) for processing in accordance with the provisions of the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act.

The concerns circulating on social media regarding the quality of civic infrastructure projects and alleged financial irregularities have not been independently verified. The RTI application seeks access to official records that may help clarify the facts and enhance public accountability through the legal mechanism provided under the Right to Information law.