The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Sunday demanded President Arif Alvi’s resignation after the head of the state denied signing two crucial bills related to the army and secrets laws.
In a startling turn of events, President Alvi said he did not sign the bills amending the Official Secrets Act and the Pakistan Army Act into law as he “disagreed with these laws”.
President Arif Alvi said in his statement that I do not agree with the Official Secrets Act and Army Act Amendment Bill, I asked my staff to send the bill back without signature.
The President of Pakistan added, “I confirmed many times with the staff that the bills were sent back without signature. I learned today that my staff violated my will and orders.
Arif Alvi added that Allah knows everything, I apologize to all those who will be affected by these bills, I did not sign these bills.
It should be remembered that the news came out yesterday that President Arif Alvi has signed the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment Bill, after which both bills have become laws.
In response, PPP spokesperson Faisal Karim Kundi termed the incident “unfortunate” and lamented that the president issued an apology “24 hours after it was reported on the media that he did”.
“I believe that such a person is not fit to remain in the presidency. This person does not know what’s happening. He does not even know who has bypassed him,” the PPP leader said.
In a statement, PPP Vice President Sherry Rehman said the development raises questions about Alvi’s ability to continue as the president.
“Is he trying to say that someone else signed the bills under from under his nose,” Rehman wondered, saying that if that’s the case, then the president should resign.
In a post on X, PML-N leader and former finance minister Ishaq Dar termed Alvi’s statement “unbelievable”, calling for his resignation.
Unbelievable —minimum morality warrants Alvi Sb to resign, having failed to run his office effectively, efficiently and as per Rules of Business — official work is conducted on files and implementation ensured — such statements only indicate playing with the gallery.
God help us! pic.twitter.com/UopZRVe6Tq— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) August 20, 2023
“Minimum morality warrants Alvi sb to resign, having failed to run his office effectively, efficiently and as per Rules of Business,” the finance minister, whose government’s term came to an end earlier this month said.
