ISLAMABAD: Islamabad High Court (IHC) dismissed appeal against decision of Pakistan Information Commission (PIC) to public details regarding helicopter’s use for bringing PTI candidates of Prime Minister AJK to Islamabad. Court remarked that if helicopter was used to bring someone’s family members or other than defence purpose then it was its misuse. Upholding decision of PIC, court ordered federal government to share information with applicant citizen as he wanted to know where prime minister’s helicopter was used.

This was to be mentioned here that  PTI candidates for AJK prime ministerial were brought on a helicopter for an interview with then Prime Minister Imran Khan. At outset of hearing, Deputy Attorney General Arshad Mahmood Kayani adopted stance that information couldn’t be shared as it was related to defence. Chief Justice Athar Minallah, hearing case said that information being sought was not related to defense, adding that a citizen was asking for information related to use of public funds.

If a defense helicopter was used for any other purpose, then it was right of citizen to know information, Chief Justice remarked. Justice Athar Minallah questioned that if I was using helicopter, how could it be related to defense purpose. He remarked that citizen had right to know where his money was being spent under Article 19A of Constitution.

Court observed that applicant was not asking for information related to defense forces instead he was asking details about to Prime Minister’s Secretariat and this was an effective way of accountability of a public office. Court said if helicopter was misused, then those responsible were accountable to public.

Chief Justice Athar Minullah said that government should not bring such petitions before court as it was accountable to people. Case was subsequently dismissed.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2022

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