KARACHI: Dentist Dr. Arif Alvi tweets negating his assent on Official Secret Act and Army Act Bills is serious matter which requires thorough probe and stern action against all responsible to maintain dignity of President House.

 Hashmat Habib President Tehreek-e-Tahafuz-e-Adlia observed media discussions erupted after tweets by President confirming that both bills were not signed but his staff did not communicate this fact to Parliament on time. Although this statement, prima facie, is false claim anyhow it is another proof of fact, if true, that President has no control over his own staff.

Hashmat Habib said political motivated so-called experts of Constitution in malafide way caused confusion and misguided public. This trend should be taken to task because bills have attained status of law of land on expiry of 10 days as prescribed under Article 75(1) Constitution wherein no ambiguity exits.

He said under 18th Amendment Act 2010 period was substituted by 10 days and within that period President has 2 options (a) assent to Bill; or (b) in case of bill other than money bill returned to Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) with message requesting with bill or any specified provision thereof, be re-considered and that any amendment specified in message be considered.

He said when President (is or it deems to have assent) to bill it shall become law and be called an Act of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament). He said wording of Constitution is clear but unfortunately so-called experts of Constitution are unable even to read it properly and understand it.  As need of hour shut-up call to these elements should be given in interest of Constitution, law and Judiciary if any.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 23 2023

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