ISLAMABAD: Hours after the controversy, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) declared on Sunday that it would approach the Supreme Court in response to President Arif Alvi’s tweet stating he did not sign the bills proposing amendments to the Official Secrets and Army Act.
Earlier in the day, President Alvi refuted providing assent to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, asserting that his orders were “undermined” by his staff.
“I did not sign the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 as I disagreed with these laws,” President Alvi conveyed on X, previously known as Twitter.
Subsequent to his statement, the former ruling party announced its full support for the head of state on both the national and judicial levels, announcing its intention to request Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Umar Ata Bandial to ascertain the truth and hold accountable those responsible.
According to the party spokesperson, the president’s stance concerning his purported approval of significant legal drafts necessitates decisive measures.
The PTI highlighted that President Alvi has identified deep-seated issues within the state and government, emphasizing that the head of state symbolizes the federation, is part of the parliament, and serves as the supreme commander of the Pakistan Army. “Failing to implement the president’s directives is unconstitutional and unacceptable.”
PTI disclosed its plan to take the matter to the apex court
The party led by Imran Khan disclosed its plan to take the matter to the apex court, expressing that the entire nation and the party stand alongside the president to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution and law.
The legal team of PTI demands action The PTI’s legal team asserted its intention to challenge the bills in the Supreme Court, collaborating with the party’s core committee. They contended that this legislation contradicts the Constitution and lacks legal justification.
“Retracting this act is the government’s responsibility,” stated PTI’s advocate Shoaib Shaheen during a press conference.
He clarified that the president did not endorse the bills, emphasizing that this contravenes the Constitution according to Article 75.
Shaheen further stated that the president, through his tweet, clarified that both bills should be returned to the parliament and that his staff had confirmed the bills’ return. He criticized those who misused the president’s authority.
The lawyer remarked that the parliament has presently become a “rubber stamp.” He advocated for action against those who passed the bills with staff assistance.
Advocate Shaheen additionally proposed that CJP Bandial take suo motu action on this issue.
