This commission holds that as the election agents have the right of access to information about the names, addresses and photographs of the voters of the constituency residing in the country to ensure transparent conduct of electoral process, the election agents also have the right of access to names, addresses and photographs of NICOP holders’ voters of the constituency.
The Act, 2017 takes precedence over all other laws with regard to what information is to be shared and how information is to be made public.
In the instant Appeal, the Appellant has described his preferred mode of access to information which is supported by Rule 4 (1) (b) of the Right of Access to Information Rules, 2019 which is as under:
“The form in which the applicant needs access to information, for such as photocopy, CD, video or audio clip”.
So far as the cost of CD, diskette, floppy, cassette, video or any other electronic device containing information is concerned, the Schedule of Costs, notified by Pakistan Information Commission In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 27 (b)of the Act 2017 states that public bodies shall only charge the actual cost of such a device, as determined on the basis of official procurement record. However, no cost is to be charged if the applicant provides his or her own device and requires only an electronic copy of the information.