ISLAMABAD – A controversial legislation approved by Pakistani President draws everyone’s attention over the weekend, but to everyone’s surprise, Dr Alvi denied signing the two legislation that empowered country’s intelligence agencies.
A days after the news made national headlines, President Dr Arif Alvi issued clarification, as he clearly denied having signed two crucial pieces of legislation, Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023.
In a social media platform, Dr Alvi said “God is my witness, I did not sign Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 & Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 as I disagreed with these laws”.
Alvi revealed that he directed his staff to return the bills unsigned but said he later came to know that he found out today that his staff undermined his will and command.
He further asked forgiveness from those who will be affected by these contentious legislation.
Army Act Bill grants blanket powers to spy agencies
The amendments in the secrets act have broadened the powers of intelligence agencies and was opposed by the rival parties and PPP leader Raza Rabbani, who said that he could not support any such laws.
The bill recommends up to a two-year jail sentence and fine for those involved in defaming the military, adding that those using electronic channels for this purpose would be tried under electronic crime.
“If any person, who is or has been subject to this Act, discloses or causes to be disclosed any information, acquired in an official capacity, which is or may be prejudicial to the security and interest of Pakistan or the Armed Forces of Pakistan, shall be guilty of an offence, and on conviction by the court constituted under this Act, be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term which may extend to five years,” read the amendment bill
It however stated that a person disclosing such information at the note of the army chief or an authorised officer will not be punished.
“Any disclosure made after seeking prior approval from the Chief of the Army Staff, or any officer duly empowered by him, in the manner prescribed, shall not be deemed as unauthorised disclosure,” it added.
It also seeks to bar persons subject to this act from taking part in political activity for two years from the date of their retirement, release, resignation, discharge, removal or dismissal from the service, whereas those “employed, seconded, tasked or otherwise attached” to “sensitive” duties under the act will be barred from political activities for five years after they leave their posts.
“Whoever violates [these conditions] on conviction by the court constituted under this Act, be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term, which may extend to two years”.
It further states that action will be taken against those involved in defaming he military and they will be punished under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (Act XL of 2016) or relevant electronic, digital and social media laws.
“A personnel who is or has been subject to this Act intentionally ridicules, scandalizes, brings into hatred or otherwise attempts to lower the Armed Forces of Pakistan or any part thereof in the estimation of others shall, on conviction by a court constituted under this Act, in the prescribed manner, be punished with imprisonment which may extend to two years or fine or with both,” it added.
