ISLAMABAD: The President’s Secretariat of Pakistan has moved to replace Secretary to President Waqar Ahmed, a day after President Dr. Arif Alvi’s startling allegations of staff insubordination regarding his approval of key legislations.
In an unprecedented turn of events, the Secretariat announced that Waqar Ahmed’s services were “no more required” and requested a replacement to be appointed.
The official announcement, posted on the President of Pakistan’s official Twitter account, stated, “In view of the definite statement of yesterday, President’s Secretariat has written a letter to Principal Secretary to Prime Minister that the services of Waqar Ahmed, Secretary to President, are no more required and his services are surrendered to the Establishment Division, immediately.” It was further revealed that Ms. Humaira Ahmed, a BPS-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, has been recommended for the position of Secretary to the President.
In view of the definite statement of yesterday, President’s Secretariat has written a letter to Principal Secretary to Prime Minister that the services of Mr. Waqar Ahmed, Secretary to President, are no more required and are surrendered to the Establishment Division, immediately.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 21, 2023
It has also been desired that Ms. Humaira Ahmed, a BPS-22 officer of the Pakistan Administrative Service, may be posted as Secretary to the President.
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) August 21, 2023
Controversy Around Bills and President’s Statement
The controversy erupted when President Alvi asserted on Sunday that he had not personally signed two pieces of legislation — the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023—despite them becoming law a day earlier. These bills, which had been approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate, were sent to the president for his assent amid strong criticism from opposition lawmakers weeks prior.
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
President Alvi’s claims triggered a wave of claims and counter-claims, prompting a press conference by caretaker ministers for law and information over the weekend. The allegations also led to a barrage of criticism from the former ruling party, PTI.
On Twitter, President Alvi pointed the blame at his staff, alleging that he was deceived by his presidency staff who did not return the “unsigned” bills despite repeated directives. He declared, “As God is my witness, I did not sign Pakistan Army Amendment Bill, 2023 and Official Secrets Amendment Bill, 2023 as I disagreed with these laws.” He further explained that he had instructed his staff to return the bills unsigned within the stipulated time to render them “ineffective.” However, his staff did not follow these instructions and falsely claimed that the bills had been returned.
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
President Alvi expressed his frustration, saying, “I confirmed from them many times whether they [the bills] 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 Insha’Allah. But I ask forgiveness from those who will be affected.”
Shortly after President Alvi’s statement, a gazette notification from the Senate Secretariat emerged, stating that the two bills were “deemed to have been assented by the president.”
