Islamabad, 20 Aug, 2023 (GNP): President Arif Alvi of Pakistan has announced his decision to withhold his signature from two bills, the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023, citing disagreement with their provisions.
These bills have raised questions about their potential to curtail dissent and extend authorities’ powers to prosecute individuals for actions deemed against national security and the military.
President Alvi made the announcement on X, emphasizing his stance against these 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. I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times that…
— Dr. Arif Alvi (@ArifAlvi) August 20, 2023
This move has garnered respect from various quarters, including political leaders and citizens.
The contentious bills have fueled concerns about freedom of expression and the potential erosion of civil liberties. Critics argue that these measures could hinder open dialogue and amplify the authorities’ ability to control narratives related to national security and military affairs.
In a related development, Shah Mahmood Qureshi, standing in for Prime Minister Imran Khan as the PTI leader, was arrested by the federal investigation agency. He was accused of revealing official secrets and harming state interests under the amended law. This arrest further underscores the tension surrounding the legislation’s implications.
Also Read: President Alvi commits support for PEMRA (Amend) Bill 2023
The political landscape in Pakistan has been marked by significant changes, including the removal of Prime Minister Khan in April 2022 through a parliamentary no-confidence motion. This has led to debates and discussions regarding the role of the military in governance and policy-making matters.
As the country moves forward, the decisions and actions of the government are being closely watched by citizens and international observers. The issue of legislative measures affecting civil liberties and the potential influence of the military on political affairs remain subjects of ongoing public discourse.