'God is my witness': President Arif Alvi denies signing key laws

[Bewal Express]

President Arif Alvi on Sunday denied having signed two crucial pieces of legislation - Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 - claiming he had been betrayed by his staff.

The Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023 and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 had been granted ascent as they became law yesterday.

After the approval from the National Assembly, both bills were presented in the Senate. The treasury members criticised the bills, after which the Senate chairman referred the bills to the standing committee.

Later, some controversial clauses of the two bills were taken out and the bills were re-presented in the Senate. After approval, they were sent to President Alvi for his signature.

Read Alvi lauded for approving PEMRA Amendment Bill

Taking to the social media platform X today, however, Alvi denied having approved the two laws.

"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," he said

"I asked my staff to return the bills unsigned within the stipulated time to make them ineffective," he added, "I confirmed from them many times whether they have been returned and was assured that they were. However, I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command".

The president then went on to "ask forgiveness from those who will be affected" by the development.

Official Secrets Act

According to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, a person will be guilty of an offense if he intentionally creates a problem of public order or acts against the state.

In addition, if a person attacks or damages a prohibited place and the purpose of this is to directly or indirectly benefit the enemy, then it is also punishable.

Under the said amendment bill, the accused will be tried in a special court and a decision will be taken after completing the hearing within 30 days.

Army Act

The Army Act has provisions relating to the retirement of military personnel. According to this law, no military personnel will be able to participate in any political activity for two years after retirement, resignation or dismissal, while military personnel or officers performing duties related to the sensitive nature of duty shall not participate in political activities for five years after termination of service.

A retired army officer found guilty of violating the Army Act will be punished with imprisonment for a term of up to two years. Also, if any serving or retired army personnel scandalises or ridicules the army on digital or social media, he will be punished under the Electronic Crimes Act.

According to the said law, any serving or retired officer who causes defamation of the army or spreads hatred against it will be punished with imprisonment of two years and a fine under the Army Act.

 

[Bewal Express]

So PK is under Martial law. A country betrayed by its army, its Judiciary, its representatives and law enforcement. We are in total **** show, where the more the mafia breaks the law, the more they fear accountability

 

[Major]

This guy ended up showing how incompetent he was.

So an ordinance gets passed and he says he didnt pass it.

Just spreading lies as usual, and the naïve will believe what ever he says

 

[MenInG]

This guy ended up showing how incompetent he was.

So an ordinance gets passed and he says he didnt pass it.

Just spreading lies as usual, and the naïve will believe what ever he says

He is saying he didn;t sign it

As a Pakistani you should be worried about the lack of oversight and plain old incompetency of the government you support.

 

[Bewal Express]

This guy ended up showing how incompetent he was.

So an ordinance gets passed and he says he didnt pass it.

Just spreading lies as usual, and the naïve will believe what ever he says

If he doesn't sign it then it goes back to parliament where a joint session would override his veto ( i stand corrected if i am wrong). So who didnt send it back? Well we know who. As I told you back in April 2022, PK was under millitary rule. Remember you jabbering on about their neutrality. Billo and the puppets were just fronts.

 

[Bewal Express]

He is saying he didn;t sign it

As a Pakistani you should be worried about the lack of oversight and plain old incompetency of the government you support.

He thought that Billo would become PM and that lollipop made him throw away any principles that he told us he had. He wanted IK arrested and tortured, he told us Arshad was a coward, he told he was a democrat but his party fought to stop the elections but he still supports them. And remember the cypher, he claimed it was fake.

 

[Bewal Express]

Watch this video and you will see the duffers getting their knickers in a twist. I have no hope or expectation of CJP to do anything. A CJP that has played a full role in the coup isn't going to putting retirement benefits at risk for the PK people.

 

[Bewal Express]

This guy ended up showing how incompetent he was.

So an ordinance gets passed and he says he didnt pass it.

Just spreading lies as usual, and the naïve will believe what ever he says

I remember you going on about the army act. Well this is your puppets passing an army act and a draconian officials act. Why did they do that

 

[cricketjoshila]

I am not familiar with the pakistani constitution, but isnt the president's assent mandatory for an act to become a law.

If the president is denying assent that is a ground to move the courts to declare the law unconstitutional?

 

[Bewal Express]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1693232249263763520

 

[Devadwal]

Then Pakistan state is under unofficial martial law .

 

[IMMY69]

I think it's clear and obvious that the country is under martial law.

I honestly feel for the poor people of Pakistan. With the ling standing charter between the crooked politicians and the crooked military brass there is no hope for the people.

 

[Bewal Express]

I have made an appointment to see my local MP. The MP is Tory and I an not under any illusion that anything of substance will come of it, but I am going to embarras him about the UK govt stance. I urge everyone on here that lives in the UK to do the same. We owe to the poor people of PK

 

[cricketjoshila]

I have made an appointment to see my local MP. The MP is Tory and I an not under any illusion that anything of substance will come of it, but I am going to embarras him about the UK govt stance. I urge everyone on here that lives in the UK to do the same. We owe to the poor people of PK

No country is going to make any interventions into Pakistan. Labour Conservative no one. They will deal with whosoever is in power in Pakistan. UK government's job is to look after the interests of UK.

The intervention has to come from within Pakistan. This is essentially an internal issue of Pakistan. Its for pakistanis to solve.

Where is the revolution on the streets?

If people aren't bothered then situation won't change.

Just across the border you have India. A functional democracy.

Indira Gandhi suspended our democracy and became a dictator. Millions came on the streets. 100s of 1000s were jailed. 1000s disappeared. But the struggle went on. Ultimately Indira had to give up power after 3 years of struggle.

There is no reason why pakistanis cannot do it. But first they have to decide if they indeed want to fight.

The present opposition seems to be coming from people outside pakistan. That frankly won't affect the ones in power in Pakistan.

 

[Bewal Express]

No country is going to make any interventions into Pakistan. Labour Conservative no one. They will deal with whosoever is in power in Pakistan. UK government's job is to look after the interests of UK.

The intervention has to come from within Pakistan. This is essentially an internal issue of Pakistan. Its for pakistanis to solve.

Where is the revolution on the streets?

If people aren't bothered then situation won't change.

Just across the border you have India. A functional democracy.

Indira Gandhi suspended our democracy and became a dictator. Millions came on the streets. 100s of 1000s were jailed. 1000s disappeared. But the struggle went on. Ultimately Indira had to give up power after 3 years of struggle.

There is no reason why pakistanis cannot do it. But first they have to decide if they indeed want to fight.

The present opposition seems to be coming from people outside pakistan. That frankly won't affect the ones in power in Pakistan.

I think you will find that they already have. The regime change is real, the cypher was real and PK is under the control of the Americans and their puppets in PK. It is our job to challenge the champions of democracy to explain their autocratic tendencies. South Africa had apartheid but as more and more realised its evils, the govts in the UK and US went on the defensive and eventually it was dismantled.

 

[rpant_gabba]

I think you will find that they already have. The regime change is real, the cypher was real and PK is under the control of the Americans and their puppets in PK. It is our job to challenge the champions of democracy to explain their autocratic tendencies. South Africa had apartheid but as more and more realised its evils, the govts in the UK and US went on the defensive and eventually it was dismantled.

Help me understand this.

Yanks have been who they are and one could make the case that there is more light on their activities than before.

The question is is Pak military of Ayub, Yahya, Zia and musharaff any different than the current lot?

a) If the answer is yes, in what way?

b) If the answer is no, why are you getting worked up now as Pak military toppling civil govts is not exactly a new thing in pakistan?

What is the difference between 60-2000's and now?

As an outsider, it is hard to tell the difference.

 

[cricketjoshila]

I think you will find that they already have. The regime change is real, the cypher was real and PK is under the control of the Americans and their puppets in PK. It is our job to challenge the champions of democracy to explain their autocratic tendencies. South Africa had apartheid but as more and more realised its evils, the govts in the UK and US went on the defensive and eventually it was dismantled.

What they already have? How many are on the roads protesting?

How many roads blocked?

How many protests?

One institution is doing all this.

And no, its not Americans or west or china or arabs who are involved. Anyone and everyone who want anything done in Pakistan are working with that one institution.

The institution people fear so much that they are scared to take its name and call it THE ESTABLISHMENT.

There is no apartheid here. This is just authoritarian regime like many others around the world. Be it the monarchies or communists or military regimes they are all functioning and acceptable by the international community.

If anything has to change, its the mentality of the pakistanis that has to change.

 

[Bewal Express]

Help me understand this.

Yanks have been who they are and one could make the case that there is more light on their activities than before.

The question is is Pak military of Ayub, Yahya, Zia and musharaff any different than the current lot?

a) If the answer is yes, in what way?

b) If the answer is no, why are you getting worked up now as Pak military toppling civil govts is not exactly a new thing in pakistan?

What is the difference between 60-2000's and now?

As an outsider, it is hard to tell the difference.

I always thought that our Millitary was on our side and were playing the Americans for cash but these guys, are not on our side. Nothing they have done under the recent crooks has benefitted PK, it's been an absolute disaster at every corner

 

[Bewal Express]

What they already have? How many are on the roads protesting?

How many roads blocked?

How many protests?

One institution is doing all this.

And no, its not Americans or west or china or arabs who are involved. Anyone and everyone who want anything done in Pakistan are working with that one institution.

The institution people fear so much that they are scared to take its name and call it THE ESTABLISHMENT.

There is no apartheid here. This is just authoritarian regime like many others around the world. Be it the monarchies or communists or military regimes they are all functioning and acceptable by the international community.

If anything has to change, its the mentality of the pakistanis that has to change.

They have locked up 10,000 people, children and women have been taken as collateral, the media is totally controlled and journalists are kidnapped if they speak against the fascists. With these facts in mind, it's not easy to take on an army of 500,000+.
I am still of the opinion that PK needs a strong army but an army has defense at its core, not an army holding the nation hostage

 

[rpant_gabba]

I always thought that our Millitary was on our side and were playing the Americans for cash but these guys, are not on our side. Nothing they have done under the recent crooks has benefitted PK, it's been an absolute disaster at every corner

So, your issue is that Yanks have wizened up and tightening the screws on the double dealing? That can't really be a surprise for you. Should it?

specific example of military being on "our" side?

by "our", I hope you mean the common public.

 

[cricketjoshila]

They have locked up 10,000 people, children and women have been taken as collateral, the media is totally controlled and journalists are kidnapped if they speak against the fascists. With these facts in mind, it's not easy to take on an army of 500,000+.
I am still of the opinion that PK needs a strong army but an army has defense at its core, not an army holding the nation hostage

You think Indira Gandhi did less? Or all those regimes that got overthrown by people, did they do anything less? No.

But the people kept fighting. And eventually the police and army refused to obey orders and regimes fell.

There is no reason why same won't work in Pakistan.

The moment any institution gets unquestionable power they will become autocratic. And till 12 months back The Establishment had unquestionable power in Pakistan. Only because they removed Imran, have some people gone against it.

 

[Bewal Express]

So, your issue is that Yanks have wizened up and tightening the screws on the double dealing? That can't really be a surprise for you. Should it?

specific example of military being on "our" side?

by "our", I hope you mean the common public.

The PK armies main job is to protect PK, its not doing that, infact it has sided with every force suppresses PKs at both home and abroad. It is no longer our army

 

[Bewal Express]

You think Indira Gandhi did less? Or all those regimes that got overthrown by people, did they do anything less? No.

But the people kept fighting. And eventually the police and army refused to obey orders and regimes fell.

There is no reason why same won't work in Pakistan.

The moment any institution gets unquestionable power they will become autocratic. And till 12 months back The Establishment had unquestionable power in Pakistan. Only because they removed Imran, have some people gone against it.

Maybe but PK people have shown courage, that's why 10,000 are in prison. I never thought that our army would shoot its own people( not in this day and age) but I have no doubt that its deeply compromised and most of the Generals are **** deep in criminality and would order people to be shot. The Lahore Commander refused to shoot people outside Zaman Park, he was lucky to survive 9th May when Munir allowed angry protesters in his own house.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

That is what happens when the president lacks the power to initiate or implement reforms, necessary changes in areas such as economy, healthcare, education, and infrastructure might be challenging to achieve.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Not sure what more people will need to stand up.

Their country has turned into a living banana boat, yet they continue to stay silent, barring the brave people who are firm behind IK.

Truth is a large minority of Pakistanis are corrupt themselves.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

We need to implement mechanisms for transparency, such as open procurement processes, public disclosure of financial information, and accessible government data.

Combating corruption is a shared responsibility of each Pakistani involving governments, institutions, businesses, civil society, and individuals working together to create a more transparent and accountable society.

 

[insurge]

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View this content on Instagram

 

[rpant_gabba]

Damn. so what is the end game?

 

[daytrader]

ISLAMABAD: In a joint press conference called after President Alvi made startling claims about two recently adopted laws, interim Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam and Information Minister Murtaza Solangi rebuffed the president’s stance that he was unaware whether the bills had been returned or not.

Giving their legal and constitutional position on the two bills, Mr Aslam said the government had not received any of the two bills from the presidency, and thus both have become law.

“Under Article 75 of the Constitution, the president only has two options: either to sign a bill or reject it; in case of rejection, he has to give reasons for returning the bills unsigned,” he said, adding that if the president does not avail any of the two options, a bill becomes a law after the lapse of ten days.

Caretakers rebuff claims

Interim information minister rules out any action against President Alvi, says "sanctity and respect of president’s office do not allow us to make any such move".

www.dawn.com

 

[IMMY69]

ISLAMABAD: In a joint press conference called after President Alvi made startling claims about two recently adopted laws, interim Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam and Information Minister Murtaza Solangi rebuffed the president’s stance that he was unaware whether the bills had been returned or not.

Giving their legal and constitutional position on the two bills, Mr Aslam said the government had not received any of the two bills from the presidency, and thus both have become law.

“Under Article 75 of the Constitution, the president only has two options: either to sign a bill or reject it; in case of rejection, he has to give reasons for returning the bills unsigned,” he said, adding that if the president does not avail any of the two options, a bill becomes a law after the lapse of ten days.

Caretakers rebuff claims

Interim information minister rules out any action against President Alvi, says "sanctity and respect of president’s office do not allow us to make any such move".

www.dawn.com

This here shows just how corrupt and stupid these people are and the lack of respect thry have for the people of Pakistan.

The President stated that his signature was forged and that he did not approve the bill. Where is the reply on that? That there is enough to open a criminal investigation, instead they make excuses for for why the bill has been passed.

 

[WicketLord]

It's very unfortunate that Arif Alvi is claiming that he didn't sign it. It's really a big crime if someone else signed and passed the bill. This implies that someone is using the President's power to sign. The Supreme Court should take suo-motu of this.

 

[Savak]

Failed State Pakistan is. 80% of the people I studied with in Pakistan in school, university and worked with have all left Pakistan. The trend will only be rising in the last one year

 

[Bewal Express]

So now we know that he didnt sign the bill. And under extreme pressure President Alvi stood up and gave a statement and will be counted forever in PK history.

 

[JattMaula]

This is Banana republic to a T.

 

[cricketjoshila]

As per some experts on pakistan law on Twitter if President Alvi didn't return the bill with reasons within 10 days, the bill is deemed to be passed.

 

[jaspa888]

"Every nation gets the government it deserves” - Joseph de Maistre

Until our buzdil public stand up for their rights, nothing will change. No excuses now the veil has been lifted on who the real enemy really is.

 

[Bewal Express]

As per some experts on pakistan law on Twitter if President Alvi didn't return the bill with reasons within 10 days, the bill is deemed to be passed.

It shows their stupidity and ignorance. If he doesn't sign it, then both houses have to convene to override his veto.

 

[Rana]

"Every nation gets the government it deserves” - Joseph de Maistre

Until our buzdil public stand up for their rights, nothing will change. No excuses now the veil has been lifted on who the real enemy really is.

The ones who were with Khan did stand up and got what they deserved, a severe Chittar at the hands of the law!

The good majority who doesn’t stand with him are happy to stay home and go about their business

 

[Bewal Express]

The ones who were with Khan did stand up and got what they deserved, a severe Chittar at the hands of the law!

The good majority who doesn’t stand with him are happy to stay home and go about their business

You ran away from before because humiliation is normal for you. But you claimed the Generals saved PK. So can you tell us what they saved it from? Did they save it from the 6% growth, exports up by a 1/3rd, remittances at record levels,or the 18bn in reserves or the amazing way IK dealt with corona( widely acclaimed to be amongst the best in the World), or an amazing ehsaas program that took millions out of poverty, or the millions of jobs created in the textile millions Or a Rp at 172 that wasn't fixed?
Did they save us from kidnappings and murder of journalists or bankruptcy, or terrorism.

So stop running and tell us what the saviours saved PK from? Because you don't have the capacity to debate and your embarrassing attempts at running from your posts are like your cricketing suggestions

 

[jaspa888]

The ones who were with Khan did stand up and got what they deserved, a severe Chittar at the hands of the law!

The good majority who doesn’t stand with him are happy to stay home and go about their business

Only a small handful stood up for him, hence the total capitulation. Pakistanis should be doing their own protesting, rather than relying on overseas Pakistanis to do their bidding.

I'll be honest. While I always planned on retiring there, I've now given up on the country as they seem to have given up themselves.

 

[cricketjoshila]

It shows their stupidity and ignorance. If he doesn't sign it, then both houses have to convene to override his veto.

Can you post a reference to this?

 

[cricketjoshila]

"Every nation gets the government it deserves” - Joseph de Maistre

Until our buzdil public stand up for their rights, nothing will change. No excuses now the veil has been lifted on who the real enemy really is.

Start by taking its name. Stop calling it THE ESTABLISHMENT.

Call it by its name.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Maybe but PK people have shown courage, that's why 10,000 are in prison. I never thought that our army would shoot its own people( not in this day and age) but I have no doubt that its deeply compromised and most of the Generals are **** deep in criminality and would order people to be shot. The Lahore Commander refused to shoot people outside Zaman Park, he was lucky to survive 9th May when Munir allowed angry protesters in his own house.

10000 out of 240mn?

Challenge them to see if they can put 10mn in Jail.

The struggle must continue.

The general will order, how long will the ordinary soldier listen and shoot innocent people? The middle ranks are the first to stand up.

In this day and age, all countries can have armies, but no army should have a country.

 

[WicketLord]

Controversy rages on as official picked by Alvi ‘refuses’ to work with him.

The controversy surrounding the approval of two controversial bills deepened further on Monday as the officer picked by President Arif Alvi refused to work as his principal secretary, The News reported Tuesday.

On Monday, Alvi requested the Prime Minister Office to remove Waqar Ahmed as his principal secretary and appoint Humaira Ahmad, a grade-22 DMG officer, currently working as federal secretary of national heritage and culture division, in his place.

A day after President Alvi’s startling revelation about not signing the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the President’s Secretariat said that the services of Waqar Ahmed were no more required and are surrendered to the Establishment Division with immediate effect.

Subsequently, in a letter to the principal secretary to the Prime Minister (PSPM) Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, it was requested to replace Waqar with Humaira — a grade-22 DMG officer.

Humaira had earlier served as PSPr and opted to leave the assignment at her own request and was posted as federal secretary science and technology before being transferred to the national heritage division.

Meanwhile, the sources said that no transfer and posting could be possible without the permission of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after the dissolution of the assemblies.

The massive transfers and postings made three days back including change of chief secretaries of the provinces and large reshuffling in the federal secretaries where about half a dozen senior officers were asked to report to the Establishment Division.

Hours after his removal, a confidential letter came to light in which Waqar Ahmed clarified his position regarding the bills.

The official said that the president neither assented to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2023 nor gave a written decision for returning them to parliament for reconsideration.

Ahmed clarified that the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill was received on August 2 and sent to the president on August 3.

President Alvi, he added, had the 10-day time to advise on the bill till August 11.

"The Honourable President neither assented to the Bill nor gave a written decision for returning the Bill for reconsideration by the Parliament. The said file has not been returned to the Office of Secretary to date i.e. 21.08-2023," the letter stated.

Meanwhile, the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill was received on August 8 and was moved to the president's office on August 9.

"It was clearly stated in the Note that the Prime Minister's advice was received on 08-08-2023 and time of 10 days will be completed on 17.08.2023 (Thursday)," the letter also stated.

However, the letter added that the president neither assented to the bill nor gave a written decision for returning the bill for reconsideration by parliament.

The official further said that he "neither delayed above mentioned two bills nor committed any irregularity or negligence". He added that the files of the bills are still lying in the President's Office as of today (August 21).

He said that the president's decision for the surrender of his services was not based on justice.

"I request that the Honourable President may kindly order an inquiry by FIA (Federal Investigation Agency) or any other Agency to probe the facts and fix the responsibility for any lapse if committed by any officer or official," he said.

Ahmed further said that he would present himself in court if it is needed to prove his innocence.

"It is requested that U.O. dated 21-08-2023 regarding surrendering of my services to the Establishment Division may kindly be withdrawn," he added.

The President House has not yet offered any rejoinder on the principal secretary's response whereas the press secretary to the President was not available for his comments on the development.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1693722611014857089

 

[adi_62941]

This dentist guy is one of the most hypocrite after IK. The way he cleaned himself infront of PTI and army is great. After eating whole biryani plate with ease, he complained of using more salt and spices.

 

[WicketLord]

Former prime minister Imran Khan challenged in the Supreme Court (SC) on Saturday amendments made to the Official Secrets Act and Pakistan Army Act.

Advocate Shohaib Shaheen filed a petition against recent amendments to Army Act 1952 under Article 184 of the Constitution of Pakistan on behalf of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairperson.

The petition contends that the new clauses are in violation of human rights.

President and PTI member Dr Arif Alvi, the Government of Pakistan and the National Assembly have been listed as respondents in the petition, which prays the court to declare amendments in both laws unconstitutional and annul the same.

It mentions that Dr Alvi has stated on social media that he did not give his approval for both these laws to be passed.

The petition filed before the apex court on behalf of the PTI chief lists out the process for a bill to be enacted into law, which requires the approval of the Senate, National Assembly and finally assent by the President.

It mentions Dr Alvi's tweet, posted on X, formerly Twitter on August 20, 2023, wherein he explicitly states his contention with the amendments enacted into law and denies having signed the two bills.

Based on Dr Alvi's statement on social media, the petition argues that the passage of these laws was unconstitutional and moves the court to expunge said amendments as due process was not followed.

It further draws the court's attention to amendments introduced in the Official Secrets Act, which empower "secret agencies to raid and detain any citizen or enter and search any person in any place without obtaining a search warrant from any court of law," terming them "unethical" and in violation of the Constitution.

Express Tribune

 

[WicketLord]

Unfortunately, whichever law is made in Pakistan, it is either made with its own benefits or to push the opposition.

 

[daytrader]

Crisis brews as Alvi holds ‘poll date’ meeting
Sources say matter of poll date was discussed in meeting of President Alvi with the caretaker law minister

As the matter of the general elections in the country hangs in the balance with the political circles divided on the timing of the polls, President Arif Alvi is expected to announce the date for the electoral process anytime, sources privy to the development said on Monday.

They said that the matter of the poll date was discussed in a meeting of President Alvi with the caretaker law minister, who was of the view that the announcement of the election date is the prerogative of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), Geo.tv reported.

The president continued his consultation on general elections in country. According to official announcement of the President House on Monday, Caretaker Minister for Law and Justice Ahmad Irfan Aslam called on President Alvi and held discussion regarding general elections in the country.

In his remarks, President Dr Arif Alvi said continuing the consultative process with good intentions will prove to be positive for democracy in the country. However, sources within the President House claimed that the idea of Dr Alvi’s likelihood of appointing a date is “wrong” as the deliberation on the matter of polls is still underway.

The has called upon the president to announce the date for the elections in a letter written by the party’s General Secretary Omar Ayub Khan.

The National Assembly and the provincial assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan were dissolved on August 9 with the president’s approval, providing the onset of a caretaker government to run the country’s affairs and hold the general elections.

“Under Article 48(5) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, 1973 when the President dissolves the National Assembly, he is to appoint a date not later than 90 days from the date of dissolution for the holding of general elections to the Assembly,” the letter read.

Meanwhile, in a television interview, Caretaker Minister for Information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi said as the elections were being held according to the latest census data and that the ECP was constitutionally authorised to fix the polling date.

Crisis brews as Alvi holds ‘poll date’ meeting

ISLAMABAD: As the matter of the general elections in the country hangs in the balance with the political circles divided on the timing of the polls, President Arif Alvi is expected to announce the...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[daytrader]

Imran Khan disappointed with President Arif Alvi: Aleema
Imran Khan is upset with President Arif Alvi for not announcing the election date, revealed former prime minister’s sister Aleema Khan

LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan is upset with President Arif Alvi for not announcing the election date, revealed former prime minister’s sister Aleema Khan on Wednesday.

Talking to journalists outside the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Lahore, Aleema claimed Imran is saddened as the date of the election has not been announced. President Alvi should have stood for the rights of people, she added.

Responding to a query, Imran’s sister alleged that she was being considered a criminal for taking Donald Lu’s name who PTI thinks was behind the ouster of its government. Aleema said she was ready to be arrested.

Earlier in the day, the Lahore police sought the arrest of PTI leader Asad Umar and two sisters of the PTI chairman in the May 9 violence cases.

The interim bails of Asad Umar, Aleema and Uzma Khan were extended till October 16 by the ATC. The court also summoned the lawyers for final arguments in the Lahore Corps Commander House vandalism and arson case. President Alvi has disputed the PTI chairman’s contention that he (Alvi) failed to perform constitutional obligations on announcing the election date.

To a query of The News, the Aiwan-e-Sadar shared President Alvi’s standpoint and the letter that he wrote to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on September 6, asking for holding general elections before November 6 (on 89th day of the dissolution of the National Assembly), citing constitutional provisions which mandated for polls within 90 days of dissolution of the National Assembly.

The Aiwan-e-Sadr spokesman reminded that “President Dr Arif Alvi wants elections to be held on time to provide opportunities to all political parties for participating in the political process. The President of Pakistan, in his letter to the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan on 6th September 2023, had already conveyed to the ECP that the Article 48(5) of the Constitution empowered him to appoint a date for elections not later than 90 days from the date of the dissolution for the holding of General Election to the National Assembly. In the said letter, the president had also communicated that the General Elections to the National Assembly should be held by 6th of November 2023.”

The spokesman said the president wants the democratic process to continue and further strengthen. “Exclusion of any political party from the election process would be unfair to the spirit of democracy.”

The spokesman recalled that Alvi strongly supports political dialogue and the promotion of national unity to overcome the challenges being faced by the country.

Sources say Alvi is disappointed that none of his colleagues in the party has supported him and raised voice for him in the face of criticism.

The News Pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Ex-Pak Prez Alvi advises Pakistanis to start from scratch to change destiny​

The people of Pakistan must "reset, alt-del and restart" to change their destiny, former president Arif Alvi has said, asserting that the "poor but hardworking" nation, polarised by political differences, deserves better.

Alvi, Pakistan's president from 2018 to March 2024, took to social media platform X on Thursday to criticise the cash-strapped country's current state of affairs.

"The argument by some that it has happened before and others have also done the same is no justification to continue on this path, as it is retrogressive thinking with no way forward," the 74-year-old leader said.

"To change our destiny is to Re-Think, Reset, Alt-Del, Clean the slate, Re-Start," he said.

"Who will do it? Who can do it? Is it even possible? I think it is, as we have the potential, and this poor but hardworking nation certainly deserves better," the dentist-turned-politician said.

Bashing the deterioration of Pakistan's economy, politics and judiciary, he said that there is severe stress on the country's institutions, which are being forced to take partisan positions.

Asserting that the country's economy needs political stability, which the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and other global institutions have pointed out, he said, "FDI (foreign direct investment) without local investment will also be an elusive dream.

https://www.business-standard.com/world-news/ex-pak-prez-alvi-advises-pakistanis-to-reset-alt-del-restart-to-change-their-destiny-124041200458_1.html

 

[FearlessRoar]

Of course, because of what you and your party have done to Pakistan, now Pakistan will have to be restarted

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Arif Alvi’s clinic de-sealed in Karachi

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has de-sealed a dental clinic owned by former President Arif Alvi in Karachi, ARY News reported, citing sources.

Acting on the orders of the Sindh High Court (SHC), The SBCA has de-sealed the clinic located in Sindhi Muslim Cooperative Housing Society (SMCHS), a posh area of the city.

Dr. Arif Alvi’s son Awaab Alvi had moved the SHC against the sealing of their dental clinic. The petitioners had claimed that the SBCA sealed the clinic as an act of political revenge.

Arif Alvi’s clinic de-sealed in Karachi

KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has de-sealed a dental clinic owned by former President Arif Alvi in Karachi, ARY News reported,

arynews.tv