President Arif Alvi on Sunday denied having signed two crucial pieces of legislation - Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 - claiming he had been betrayed by his staff.
Taking to the social media platform X today, however, Alvi denied having approved the two laws.
"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," he said.
"I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within the stipulated time to make them ineffective," he added, "I confirmed from them many times whether they have been returned and was assured that they were. However, I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command".
The president then went on to "ask forgiveness from those who will be affected" by the development.
The Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 had been granted ascent as they became law yesterday.
After the approval from the National Assembly, both bills were presented in the Senate. The treasury members criticised the bills, after which the Senate chairman referred the bills to the standing committee.
Later, some controversial clauses of the two bills were taken out and the bills were re-presented in the Senate. After approval, they were sent to President Alvi for his signature.
According to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, a person will be guilty of an offense if he intentionally creates a problem of public order or acts against the state.
In addition, if a person attacks or damages a prohibited place and the purpose of this is to directly or indirectly benefit the enemy, then it is also punishable.
Under the said amendment bill, the accused will be tried in a special court and a decision will be taken after completing the hearing within 30 days.
The Army Act has provisions relating to the retirement of military personnel. According to this law, no military personnel will be able to participate in any political activity for two years after retirement, resignation or dismissal, while military personnel or officers performing duties related to the sensitive nature of duty shall not participate in political activities for five years after termination of service.
A retired army officer found guilty of violating the Army Act will be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to two years. Also, if any serving or retired army personnel scandalises or ridicules the army on digital or social media, he will be punished under the Electronic Crimes Act.
According to the said law, any serving or retired officer who causes defamation of the army or spreads hatred against it will be punished with imprisonment of two years and a fine under the Army Act.
