ISLAMABAD-UNS: In a significant move to uphold citizens’ right to information, the Pakistan Information Commission has directed the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) to disclose comprehensive details about its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Fund. The order was issued on Tuesday in response to an appeal filed by a citizen under the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017.During the hearing, Advocate Abdul Basit appeared on behalf of OGDCL and submitted a written reply claiming exemption from disclosure of the requested information under Section 16(c) of the Act. The order of the Commission states that the reply had already been shared with the appellant on March 11, 2025. Despite no response being received from the appellant, the Commission deemed it appropriate to adjudicate the matter on its merits.The appellant had sought detailed information regarding the allocation and utilization of the CSR Fund. Specifically, the requested information includes the policy, rules, and regulations governing the CSR Fund, the criteria for its allocation, and identification of its beneficiaries. Additionally, the appellant asked for details on the sectors and areas selected by OGDCL for CSR activities, analysis of the benefits derived from the fund distribution, and the mechanism in place to evaluate whether the objectives of the CSR initiatives were met. The appeal also demanded disclosure of any vendors hired under CSR initiatives and their qualifications, as well as a year-wise and district-wise breakup of the fund distribution over the past five years.
The Commission, in its order, referenced Section 5(g) of the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, which obligates public bodies to publish and upload over the internet information regarding their detailed budgets. This includes proposed and actual expenditures, original and revised revenue targets, actual revenue, receipts, any revisions to the approved budget, and supplementary budgets.
Rejecting OGDCL’s plea for exemption under Section 16(c), the Commission ruled that the requested information does not fall within the scope of any exemptions provided in the Act. On the contrary, the Commission held that the information must not only be disclosed but also proactively published in accordance with Section 5(g).
The appeal was accordingly allowed. The Managing Director of OGDCL has been directed to furnish the complete information sought by the appellant, and to submit the same to the Commission, within ten days of receiving the order.The Commission has adjourned the matter to June 25, 2025, for the submission of a compliance report.
In a notable observation, the Commission emphasized the importance of the requested record, highlighting its value for public uplift.The Commission also sent copy to the Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Resources, and the Secretary to the Prime Minister. The Commission observed that the projects executed or planned under OGDCL’s CSR initiatives serve as a significant means to address issues of deprivation and unrest in the regions concerned. It further stressed that such efforts merit attention at the senior-most levels of government and should be publicly highlighted for the awareness and reassurance of the people of Pakistan.
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