The controversy of signing the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023 by the President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi has become extensive when the President’s House removed Secretary to the President Waqar Ahmed from his post.
According to a statement issued from the President’s House, the President has ordered the replacement of his Principal Secretary Waqar Ahmed as he was directed to report in the Establishment Division.
In a post released on X (former Twitter), it is written that “Following the clear statement yesterday, the President has written to the Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary that the services of Waqar Ahmed, the President’s Secretary, are no longer required and he has been immediately assigned to the Establishment Division.
President Arif Alvi’s statement, which he released on his personal social media account, has drawn criticism from some circles while others have expressed concern.
The President said in his message on X “As God is my witness I did not sign Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023 because I disagreed with these laws. I asked my staff to return the bill unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times whether they have been returned & was assured that they were. However I found out today that my staff undermined my will and command. As Allah knows all, he will forgive IA. But I ask forgiveness for those who will be affected.”
The statement further adds that Humara Ahmed, a Grade 22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, may be appointed as the Secretary to the President.
In light of this statement by the President of Pakistan, President Arif Alvi has expressed his disapproval of signing the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023, citing that his officials acted against his directives.
However, Pakistan’s Ministry of Law and Justice stated that “the President delayed the approval of the bill with knowledge.”
The Ministry of Law stated, “It is concerning that the President has chosen to accuse his own staff of misconduct. The President of the country should take responsibility for his actions.”
On the other hand, legal experts have said that President Arif Alvi has made a “casual move” and a “non-serious action” in a hurry, of which he seems unaware.
Similarly, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, has expressed its support for the President in a post from their party’s account.
Here raises a question that the Secretary to the President is so powerful and antagonistic, that despite the clear cut orders of the President to return the bill to the parliament, the Secretary told the media that the bills were signed by the President.
The Establishment Division should take strict punitive action against the Secretary to President Waqar Ahmed for noncompliance with the orders of the head of the state on his indiscipline.
If these kinds of affairs are being carried out in the highest office of the country, then what would happen in the other government offices? The bureaucracy has become out of control but it is the need of the hour to put rein on it.