Prominent journalists and political analysts have characterized the allegations made by President Arif Alvi against his staff regarding his endorsement of the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment Bill as a matter of “serious concern” necessitating immediate attention.
In an interview with TDTOP News, Hamid Mir, a seasoned journalist and political analyst, expressed reservations about President Alvi’s statement until substantial evidence is presented to substantiate his claims. Mir emphasized that an apology would not be fitting for the President in this context.
Reports emerged on Saturday confirming President Alvi’s enactment of the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment Bill, following their approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Consequently, these bills have now become law.
Following the enactment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan was implicated in the cipher case, while Shah Mahmood Qureshi, a senior leader of the party, was arrested from his residence later that evening. Recent sources have also indicated the apprehension of Asad Umar in connection with the case.
In an unexpected turn of events, President Alvi refuted the news of his endorsement of the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment Bill through his personal social media accounts.
Hamid Mir stressed that the situation is intricate and requires more than just the President’s verbal statement. He emphasized the necessity for President Alvi to produce substantial evidence to back his claims. Noting the gravity of the accusations, Mir pointed out that the President is leveling allegations against at least three individuals, including some who are not civilians, and who are now subject to forgery investigations.
Referring to consultations with legal experts and lawyers, Mir disclosed that President Alvi is evaluating various legal avenues, such as potentially approaching the Supreme Court or filing an FIR.
Mir highlighted that this situation is unprecedented, considering that three days have passed since the bill’s passage, during which President Alvi was reportedly distressed after learning that the bills had been returned.
In regard to the President’s staff, Mir indicated the importance of their perspective. If evidence is available to support the staff’s version, it should be presented. Mir stressed the need for documented or concrete proof to substantiate claims and regretted that the situation is bringing disrepute to Pakistan on the global stage.
Citing Article 75 (1) of the Constitution, Mir explained that the President has a 10-day window to approve or return a bill with observations to the parliament. Notably, the Official Secrets Act and the Army Act Amendment bills were sent to the President on August 2, and the lower house of parliament was dissolved on August 9, three days before the deadline for the President’s decision.
It is worth noting that reports suggest the bills were not returned to the parliament for further consideration.