Information Commissioner Files Complaint Against Previous Government Over COVID-19 Vaccine Data

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has lodged a formal complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office, asserting that the previous administration failed to disclose critical information regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Presidential Spokesperson Heena Waleed clarified on social media today that the Information Commissioner’s request to the Prosecutor General to file criminal charges under the Right to Information (RTI) Act pertains to actions taken before the current government assumed office. The initial request for vaccine information was made in 2022, prior to the current administration’s tenure.

The ICO's complaint alleges that the President's Office, during the previous administration, did not comply with requests for information concerning the COVID-19 vaccine. Consequently, the Prosecutor General's Office has referred the case to the police for further investigation.

Under the RTI Act, if 45 days elapse without an appeal against an ICO decision and the decision remains unenforced, the Prosecutor General’s Office has the authority to refer the matter to a judicial court for disobedience of order.

The ICO's move underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in public health matters, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The outcome of the investigation is anticipated to shed light on the adherence to information disclosure laws by the previous government and reinforce the principles of openness in the current administration.