Islamabad: Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has issued show cause notices to the Chairman, Capital Development Authority (CDA), and the Administrator, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The show cause notices have been issued for the non-appearance of the representatives of both public bodies in hearings before the Commission held on October 21, and October 28.
Both officers have been directed to furnish written replies explaining why proceedings under Section 20(1)(f) of the Act may not be initiated against the respective public bodies for their failure to appear and assist the Commission.
The case pertains to an appeal filed by Ameera Adil, seeking detailed information from the CDA and MCI regarding policies, laws, and data related to responsible dog ownership, registration of dog owners, vaccination, ethical breeding, and control of stray dogs.
The applicant also requested records concerning rabies eradication efforts, public awareness programs, collaborations with private veterinarians and NGOs, TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release) operations, fund utilization, facility management, and animal welfare measures adopted by the respective authorities.
Despite repeated notices, the representatives of the CDA and MCI did not appear before the Commission, prompting the issuance of show cause notices. The Commission has directed both officers to submit their responses to justify the absence and non-compliance with the provisions of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.
The matter will be further examined upon receipt of the replies from both public bodies as it relates to human safety, public awareness and animal care.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
