President Alvi denies signing Official Secrets Act, Army Amendment Act bills

Islamabad: President Dr. Arif Alvi has denied signing Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023 on Sunday.

Alvi spoke with X, formerly known as Twitter, and declared that God is his witness that he did not sign the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 or the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 because he did not agree with these laws.

“I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times that whether they have been returned & was assured that they were. However, I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command. As Allah knows all, He will forgive IA. But I ask forgiveness from those who will be affected,” Arif said in his post on X.

The Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, were reportedly signed by President Arif Alvi on Saturday.

During the coalition government's term in office, both legislation were approved by the parliament and forwarded to President Alvi for ratification.

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 stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times that…

— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) August 20, 2023