In a surprising turn of events, a petition has been lodged with the Supreme Court challenging the legitimacy of two crucial bills, the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill. The plea was filed after President Dr. Arif Alvi’s shocking admission that he had not signed the aforementioned bills, casting a shadow of uncertainty over their legal status.
The controversy ignited when President Alvi made a startling revelation, asserting that he had not given his assent to the bills due to a mishandling by his staff. The president expressed his dismay on social media, revealing that his staff had failed to return the bills to the parliament within the prescribed 10-day timeframe, as stipulated by Article 75 of the Constitution. The revelation led to widespread confusion and a state of chaos in the country.
President Alvi’s claim that his staff had concealed the fact that the bills had not been returned raised questions about his authority and the transparency of the legislative process. Consequently, he took action by relieving the serving secretary to the president of his duties, as stated in his correspondence to the principal secretary to the prime minister.
In a swift response, the caretaker government defended the enactment of the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, contending that the bills had become law upon the expiration of the 10-day period for presidential approval. This stance further complicated the situation, deepening the uncertainty surrounding the legal status of the bills.
Advocate Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking guidance on the matter and requesting the court to “acquit” the two bills. The petition argued that the amendments introduced by the bills were of great sensitivity, impacting not only the accused individuals but also the general public. The petitioner expressed concern that President Alvi’s claims had triggered a “crisis” and posited that the legal proceedings under the amended acts might be rendered invalid.
The plea implored the Supreme Court to issue directives to the government within the next ten days regarding the legal standing of both bills. Additionally, it requested that all actions taken under the newly amended Official Secrets Act, 2023, and Army Act, 2023, be suspended during the pendency of the petition.
The Supreme Court now faces the task of examining the complex legal and constitutional issues raised by the presidential signature controversy and the subsequent legal challenges. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the legislative process and the separation of powers in the country.
