President Alvi: I did not sign Official Secrets Amendment Bill

ISLAMABAD: In a significant development, President Arif Alvi revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he did not in fact sign the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 or the Army Act Amendment Bill 2023.

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

He stated, “I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed from them many times that whether they have been returned and was assured that they were. However I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command. As Allah knows all, He will forgive. But I ask forgiveness from those who will be affected.”