The Ministry of Law and Justice has noted with grave concern President Dr Arif Alvi's recent tweet.
The Ministry in a press release stated that as per Article 75 of the Constitution, when a Bill is sent for assent, the President has two options: either give assent, or refer the matter to the parliament with specific observations. Article 75 does not provide for any third option.
In the instant matter, neither of the requirements was fulfilled. Instead, the President purposely delayed the assent.
Read: President Alvi denies signing Official Secret, Army Amendment Act bills
Returning the bills without any observations or assent is not provided for in the Constitution. Such a course of action is against the letter and spirit of the constitution.
If the President had any observations, he could have returned the bills with his observations like he did in the recent and distant past. He could have also issued a press release to that effect.
It is a matter of concern that the President has chosen to discredit his own officials. The President should take responsibility for his own actions.
