ISLAMABAD: The controversy initiated by President Arif Alvi’s tweet regarding his concerns about the approval of two bills has turned into a crisis. This situation has escalated as senior bureaucrats are showing reluctance to be assigned to posts in the Presidency. This discontent among bureaucrats became evident when Humera Ahmed declined the offer to become the president’s secretary.
Reportedly, President Alvi is currently grappling with a virtual “revolt-like situation” as experienced bureaucrats are hesitating to take up the position of the president’s principal secretary (PS). The atmosphere within the Presidency has become so strained that no officer is willing to assume the role of the president’s PS, as per the sources.
President Alvi recently revoked the services of Mr. Ahmed and requested the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to assign Ms. Humera Ahmed in his place. However, despite Ms. Ahmed’s prior experience as the president’s acting principal secretary, she has refused the appointment. It leaves the presidency without a new principal secretary.
Sources indicate that due to her refusal, President Alvi will likely have to continue with Waqar Ahmed as his principal secretary.
In the meantime, the Prime Minister’s Office appears to be ignoring President Alvi’s request for a change in his principal secretary. An official from the PMO noted that the president needs to consult the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for any changes in his principal secretary. The ECP has issued a directive that the interim government must seek the commission’s approval for senior bureaucratic postings and transfers.
