ISLAMABAD – A special court has been formed under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) on Monday, a day after President Dr Arif Alvi denied approving controversial bills which further enhance the military’s powers.
An Anti-Terrorism Court Judge, Abul Hasnat was given additional charge of the special court and the trial of cases registered under the Official Secrets Act also commenced from today (August 21).
The special court heard a case registered by the Federal Investigation Agency against PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi under the secrets law in cipher related case.
Qureshi, who was arrested on Saturday by the FIA from Islamabad, was produced before the special court by the agency officials.
At the outset of the hearing, the FIA sought 13-day physical remand of the PTI stalwart for the recovery of the alleged missing cipher while Qureshi’s lawyer opposed it.
After hearing the arguments, the court reserved the verdict on the FIA’s plea. Later, the judge approved four-day physical remand of the PTI bigwig.
Last week, reports emerged that the Official Secrets Act was signed into law by the President. However, the things turned controversial when the president on Sunday denied signing the two legislation that empowered country’s intelligence agencies.
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.
PTI to move SC to identify those who undermined President Alvi s will and command
