LAHORE: The Punjab Information Commission has issued a show-cause notice to Nauman Afzal, Deputy Director of the Engineering Wing at the Lahore Development Authority (LDA), for allegedly withholding information about the Thokar Niaz Baig Junction Revamping Project.
According to a newspaper report, the Commission said that despite several reminders, the officer did not provide the requested project details to citizen and lawyer Muhammad Samran Mayo, who had applied for the information under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.
Information Commissioner Bushra Saqib and Chief Information Commissioner Muhammad Malik Bhulla have ordered Afzal to appear before the Commission on October 24 and explain in writing why action should not be taken against him under Section 15 of the Act.
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When contacted, Deputy Director Nauman Afzal claimed he had already sent the required documents to the Commission.
However, the Registrar of the Punjab Information Commission denied receiving any such record, stating that Mr. Afzal has been summoned to appear in person on Monday to explain the alleged withholding of information.
Mr. Mayo’s request, filed under Article 19-A of the Constitution and the Right of Access to Information Act, 2017, seeks full disclosure of financial, technical, and contractual details of the Thokar Niaz Baig Junction project — one of Lahore’s key road improvement initiatives aimed at easing traffic congestion at the city’s southern gateway.
He has requested transparency on project estimates, actual expenditures, payments to contractors, non-BOQ items, and details of financing and tender approvals. “Public money must be accounted for, and citizens have the right to know how it is spent,” Mr. Mayo stated in his plea.
According to earlier statements by the LDA, the Thokar Niaz Baig Junction Revamp Project includes road widening, solar lighting, fencing, signage, footpath expansion, and beautification to improve the city’s main entry and exit points connecting Multan Road and the Motorway.
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LDA Director General Tahir Farooq and Chief Engineer Israr Saeed had instructed NESPAK to prepare cost estimates and topographic surveys for the project.
The case highlights the importance of Right to Information (RTI) laws in promoting transparency and accountability in government projects. Under Article 19-A, citizens have a constitutional right to access information held by public bodies, helping prevent misuse of authority and ensuring public oversight.
The Commission will resume the hearing on Monday, when the LDA Deputy Director is expected to appear before the Information Commissioner. If his response fails to satisfy the Commission, penalties may be imposed under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act, 2013.
Observers believe the outcome of this case could set an important precedent for citizen-led transparency in Punjab’s infrastructure projects involving public funds.
