PTI throws its weight behind President, asking Arif Alvi to stay put

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) swung into action swiftly on Monday, throwing its weight behind President Arif Alvi who is facing a barrage of criticism and calls for resignation over the way he handled the Army Act and Official Secrets Act (Amendment) Bills, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to the sources in the PTI, the former ruling party has decided to extend all-out support to President Alvi and sent him a message urging the Head of State to stay put and ignore the calls for his resignation.

The PTI has also decided to take the matter to the Supreme Court of Pakistan immediately, the sources in the party said and added PTI Chairman Imran Khan who is in Attock Jail will be consulted first in this regard.

The sources said the President who is the symbol of federation and the supreme commander of the Pakistani Armed Forces has been insulted.

The PTI’s response came after President Arif Alvi had denied signing Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill,
2023.

Arif Alvi took to X, formerly known as Twitter, on Sunday, saying “God is his witness that he did not sign Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 as he disagreed with these laws.

“I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within the stipulated time to make them ineffective. I confirmed with them many times whether they have been returned & 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 IA. But I ask forgiveness from those who will be affected,” Arif said in his post on X.

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

Reporter Kifayat Ali Shah