Whistleblower Protection Bill Introduced in Senate

A legislative proposal aimed at creating a commission dedicated to safeguarding and supervising whistleblowers was formally presented in the Senate on Friday.

The bill stipulates that individuals, institutions, or agencies can provide information to the commission, contingent upon the whistleblower’s declaration of the information’s accuracy.

Submissions must be documented in writing, accompanied by supporting evidence and pertinent materials. The commission will not act on information if a whistleblower’s identity is concealed or misrepresented.

The proposed legislation excludes information deemed detrimental to Pakistan’s security, sovereignty, strategic interests, or economic stability.

The commission will not consider information concerning foreign relations, matters restricted by the Official Secrets Act, incitement to criminal activity, records involving ministers and secretaries, or cabinet and committee affairs.

Data restricted by law or court orders, or infringing upon parliamentary or assembly privileges, will also be deemed inadmissible.

Furthermore, the commission will disregard trade secrets, confidential information, private foreign communications, and details potentially impeding ongoing investigations or legal actions against an accused party.

Information that could endanger lives, compromise law enforcement confidentiality, lacks public interest, or violates privacy will also be rejected.

The commission is empowered to summon individuals for sworn testimony, review records and evidence, and scrutinize documents and witnesses.

The commission may also seek access to public records. A designated commission officer can request complete cooperation and obtain documents from governmental bodies, authorities, banks, and financial institutions.

The officer is required to assess submitted information within a 60-day timeframe. Should further inquiry or investigation be warranted, and the matter constitutes a criminal offense, the commission will refer the case to the appropriate authority.

The bill ensures protection against retaliation for whistleblowers. Those experiencing harm can file a complaint with the commission, which will then forward it to the appropriate authority.

When provided information is verified as accurate, the whistleblower will receive 20% of the recovered funds, alongside a formal certificate of recognition. In cases involving multiple whistleblowers, the reward will be divided equally among them.

Submitting false information may result in imprisonment for up to two years and a fine reaching Rs200,000, to be paid to the individual harmed by the misinformation.

A whistleblower’s anonymity will be protected, with a penalty of a Rs500,000 fine and up to two years’ imprisonment for anyone who reveals their identity.