ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) has imposed a fine equivalent to 10 days’ salary on the director excise and taxation Islamabad for failing to disclose information requested under the Right of Access to Information Act 2017. In August 2024, a citizen, Saddia Mazhar, submitted a request to the excise department, seeking details about alcohol permits and sales in Islamabad. The requested information included the total number of alcohol permit holders, beer purchases by these licence holders since January 2023, a list of establishments licensed to sell alcohol, excise duties collected from these establishments and the total supply made to these licence holders. However, the department failed to respond. Following the non-compliance, the applicant filed an appeal with PIC. The commission issued multiple notices to the director excise, but no representative appeared, nor was the requested information provided. On November 14, a final show-cause notice was issued under Section 20(1)(f) of the Right of Access to Information Act 2017. A copy of the notice was also sent to the secretary Ministry of Interior, but no action was taken. In its order issued on November 26, the commission expressed concern over the deliberate obstruction of the Act’s implementation. It noted that the officer had been given sufficient opportunities to respond, including notices sent through registered post, but failed to comply or appear. The commission said such a conduct undermines the law’s purpose of ensuring transparency and accountability in public offices. Consequently, the commission imposed a fine equivalent to the salary of 10 days on the director excise and taxation for willfully delaying or obstructing the disclosure of information. PIC directed the chief commissioner, the secretary interior and the Accountant General Pakistan Revenues to ensure compliance with the order. Notices have also been issued to these authorities to report compliance at the next hearing.