IHC reserves verdict on plea challenging order to provide NA Standing Committees' details

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by the National Assembly Secretariat challenging an order of the Pakistan Information Commission regarding the provision of details of parliamentary standing committees

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th May, 2026) The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by the National Assembly Secretariat challenging an order of the Pakistan Information Commission regarding the provision of details of parliamentary standing committees.

Justice Muhammad Azam Khan heard the case. Advocate Hafiz Arafat, counsel for the National Assembly Secretariat, argued before the court that details of assembly sessions or standing committees cannot be provided, adding that a ruling by the Speaker also exists on the matter.

"The Speaker's ruling states that information regarding proceedings of any session cannot be provided," the counsel submitted.

He further contended that the petitioner, Sadia Mazhar, had requested details via email. "Information requested through email cannot be responded to unless the identity of the requester is disclosed. She never appeared during the proceedings before the Pakistan Information Commission," the lawyer said.

Advocate Qasim Bhatti, counsel for petitioner Sadia Mazhar, argued before the court that the Speaker's ruling on this matter was issued on October 4 — six to eight months after their case. "The Speaker cannot issue a ruling under the Act," he contended.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its verdict. A decision is expected at a later date.