PCB mandates appointment of information officers in state-owned enterprises

The Privatization and Corporatization Board (PCB), the governing body for all state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and their subsidiaries, has today instructed these entities to appoint "Information Officers" responsible for providing information to the media and the public.

In a circular signed by PCB President Mohamed Anas, all state companies have been instructed to appoint Information Officers as determined by the company's Board of Directors.

The circular emphasizes ensuring that information can be disseminated effectively through these officers.

PCB recommended that instead of using a staff-specific email, the companies should establish a general email address for the Information Officer. This ensures that requests made under the Right to Information (RTI) Act are easily visible and accessible, even if the individual officer changes.

PCB clarified that companies do not need to modify their administrative structure to accommodate the appointment, as the Information Officer Duty will be assigned to an existing employee.

The circular mandates that the contact details of the appointed Information Officers must be published on the company's website in an easily accessible format for the public.

PCB's view is that the Information Officers should possess legal experience or have a thorough understanding of the Right to Information Act and related matters.

PCB stressed that adhering to these directives is mandatory for all state companies under the Privatization, Corporatization, Monitoring, and Evaluation Act, fulfilling the Board's legal responsibilities.