Pak President Arif Alvi Denies Signing Army Bill, Secret Law

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday denied signing the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 and Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 to become acts in the Parliament.

According to President Alvi, he directed his staff to return the bills unsigned within a stipulated time to make them ineffective as he disagreed with the laws. However, his staff allegedly undermined his will and command.

President Alvi took to platform X formerly Twitter, "As God is my witness, I did not sign Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 as I disagreed with these laws. I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within a stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed with them many times whether they have been returned & was assured that they were. However, I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command."

Earlier on Saturday, Pakistani media reported that President Arif Alvi gave his assent for the bills to become acts in Parliament. According to the media reports, the Senate and National Assembly approved the bills followed by the President.

What is Pakistan Army Act

The Pakistan Army Act is an act where the serving officer is discharged from the services through a court martial and a dishonorable exit if found guilty through the institution's internal inquiry, trial, and punishment system.

What is Official Secrets Act

The Official Secrets Act is applicable in the case of someone intentionally causing a public disturbance or going against the government and its sections are applicable for sedition, spying, and espionage, the punishment for which also includes capital punishment.

Besides, Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 says that army officials are restricted to participate in politics for two years after they quit the army and officials with important roles might wait for five years before they wish to enter politics.