The principle of rule of law requires that accountability should apply equally to all, without exception, according to a public discussion on governance in Punjab involving the Chief Secretary, journalists, and the provincial assembly.
It has been argued that if journalists have violated any law or professional code of conduct, appropriate legal action should be taken against them. However, if they are able to substantiate their reporting with evidence, then questions must also be asked about whether any action is warranted against the relevant Chief Secretary of Punjab. The application of law, it is stressed, must not be one-sided but equal and fair for all parties involved.
In this context, attention has been drawn to the role of the Punjab Assembly’s Standing Committee on S&GAD, which is being urged to actively exercise its constitutional and parliamentary oversight responsibilities.
The committee has been called upon to review administrative matters under the S&GAD, including official residences, vehicle allocations, and other government privileges, and to present factual findings before the public. Since the executive ultimately remains accountable to the provincial assembly, greater transparency and scrutiny are considered essential for strengthening governance and public trust.
