ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has imposed a penalty equal to 30 days’ salary on Atiq Ur Rahman, Chief Engineer of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board, under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The penalty was ordered after the Commission noted that the official had repeatedly failed to submit a written response to a rejoinder and a show cause notice, besides not appearing before the Commission on the subsequent hearing date.
According to the Commission’s order, no one appeared before it on July 7, 2026, to file a reply to the rejoinder. Following this, 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, the Commission granted him an opportunity to file both replies.
However, on the next date of hearing, the Commission observed that no written reply had been received and no one had appeared before it on behalf of the concerned official.
The order also stated that the Commission’s office tried to contact Atiq Ur Rahman on his official telephone number, but the call reportedly went unanswered.
In its findings, the Commission said the failure to respond to the show cause notice and the absence from proceedings reflected an irresponsible attitude. It further observed that the continued lack of response showed that no defence had been 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 filing a reply to the rejoinder was deliberate and had affected the timely disposal of the appeal. It consequently imposed a penalty equivalent to 30 days’ salary on Atiq Ur Rahman.
The Commission directed the Director General, Military Land and Cantonment Department; the Accountant General, Pakistan Military Accounts Department; and the Chief Executive Officer of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board to deduct the amount equivalent to 30 days’ salary from Atiq Ur Rahman’s pay. They were also instructed to submit a compliance report before the next hearing.
Separately, the CEO of the Rawalpindi Cantonment Board was directed to file a written reply to the rejoinder. The Commission warned that if no reply was submitted, the appeal would be decided in accordance with the law.
The hearing was adjourned till September 2, 2026, when the matter is scheduled to be taken up again.
