ISLAMABAD: Hours after his removal’s request as secretary to the president, Waqar Ahmed on Monday released a statement saying that President Dr Arif Alvi neither approved the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 nor gave a written decision for returning these bills to the parliament for reconsideration.
Earlier today, President Alvi sought the removal of his secretary, stating his services are no more required and are surrendered to the Establishment Division with immediate effect.
In a letter sent to the president, the secretary said that the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill was received on 2 August and sent to the president’s house the following day. The president had the ten-day time to advise on the bill till 11 August, according to media reports.
Meanwhile, the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill was received on 8 August and was sent to the president’s office on 9 August.
The letter said that it was clearly stated in the Note that the Prime Minister’s advice was received on 8 August and time of ten days would be completed on 17 August.
However, the letter added that the president neither approved the text nor gave a written decision for returning it to parliamentary reconsideration.
The secretary further said that he neither delayed the bills nor committed any negligence or irregularity. The bills’ files are still lying in the President’s Office as of today (21 August).
President’s Decision to Surrender Services of Secretary
He added that the president’s decision for the surrender of his services is not based on justice. The secretary requested the president to initiate an inquiry by FIA or any other agency to investigate the facts and fix the responsibility for any lapse if committed by any official or officer.
Ahmed said that he would appear in court if it is required to prove his innocence.
