HYDERABAD: The Liaquat University Hospital (LUH) medical superintendent is facing action under the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016 on a complaint lodged with the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) by a minority rights activist.

The complainant, Boota Imtiaz, had approached the CIC when he did not receive any response from the LUH medical superintendent on his March 4, 2024 queriesregarding 5pc job quota for minorities and related details.

The complainant submitted his appeal against alleged violation of the Act by the official to the CIC on May 17, 2024.

He believed that the LUH chief or an authorised officer was bound to provide him such information on his request, made in line with the Article 19-A of the Constitution and the Sindh Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2016. Accordingly, the CIC issued an order to the top LHU official.On Jan 29, 2025, the CIC issued a show-cause notice to the LUH medical superintendent over noncompliance of the commission`s order. The MS has been directed to appear in person before the Sindh Information Commission on Feb 6 to explain reasons as to why legal proceedings should not be initiated against him under Section 15 of the Act.

Under the Section 15, the commission can recover up to 10pc of an accused official`s basic pay as fine for not providing information required by a complainant within the time limits; or with mala fide intent denied such request; or knowingly giving incorrect, incomplete or misleading information.Complainant Boota Imtiaz had sought information regarding the 5pc job quota meant for religious minorities in the LUH, Hyderabad; and information about how many BS-8 and above grades vacancies were available at the hospital which had been advertised.

He also wanted to know that how many of the said vacancies were reserved for minorities between January 2020 and Dec 31, 2023; how many applications were filed against these vacancies in this period; and what was the number of candidates appointed on these vacancies. He had requested that the required information should be provided to him within 15 days, as per the relevant provision of the Act.