PIC penalizes Rawalpindi Cantonment Board Chief Engineer

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has imposed a penalty equivalent to 30 days’ salary on Atiq Ur Rahman, Chief Engineer, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

The Commission issued the penalty after noting the continued failure to submit a written response to the rejoinder and show cause notice and the non-appearance of the Chief Engineer before the Commission.

Order of the Commission states that on July 7, 2026, no one appeared before the Commission to file a reply to the rejoinder. Consequently, a show cause notice was issued to Atiq Ur Rahman, directing him to submit a written reply to the notice as well as a response to the rejoinder.

On July 28, 2026, Atiq Ur Rahman appeared in person before the Commission. On his request, he was granted an opportunity to file both the reply to the rejoinder and the reply to the show cause notice.

However, on the subsequent date of hearing, the Commission noted that neither a written reply had been received nor had anyone appeared before it on behalf of the concerned official.

The Commission further noted that its office attempted to contact Atiq Ur Rahman on his official telephone number, but the call reportedly remained unanswered.

In its order, the Commission observed that the failure to submit a response to the show cause notice and the non-appearance before the Commission reflected an irresponsible attitude. It further held that the continued failure to respond demonstrated that there was no defence presented by the Chief Engineer and that sufficient grounds existed to proceed against him under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.

The Commission concluded that the delay in submitting a reply to the rejoinder had been deliberate and had affected the timely disposal of the appeal. It therefore imposed a penalty equivalent to 30 days’ salary on Atiq Ur Rahman.

The Commission has directed the Director General, Military Land and Cantonment Department; the Accountant General, Pakistan Military Accounts Department; and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, to deduct the equivalent of 30 days’ salary from Atiq Ur Rahman’s salary. They have also been directed to submit a compliance report before the next date of hearing.

In addition, the CEO, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, has been directed to submit a written reply to the rejoinder. The Commission warned that, in the absence of such a reply, the appeal would be decided in accordance with the law.
The matter has been adjourned until September 2, 2026, when the case is scheduled to be taken up again.