At a combined media briefing following President Alvi’s surprising statements about two new laws, Acting Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam and Information Minister Murtaza Solangi refuted the president’s assertion that he was uncertain about the status of the bills.
Read: President Alvi Refutes Signing of Official Secrets and Army Act Amendment Bills
Elaborating on the legal and constitutional aspects of the two bills, Mr. Aslam mentioned that the government hadn’t received either bill from the presidency, meaning both are now law. “Article 75 of the Constitution dictates that the president can approve or decline a bill. If declined, reasons for not signing the bills must be stated,” he explained. He emphasized that if the president chooses neither option, the bill becomes law after ten days.
Mr. Aslam noted that the president hadn’t taken these actions, leaving the bills pending. This inaction means that after ten days, the bills automatically become laws.
Historically, President Alvi had chosen one of the two options but never left a bill unsigned for ten days.
In response to a query, Information Minister Solangi stated that no actions would be taken against the president. “The dignity and esteem of the president’s position prevent us from taking such steps. While he remains in office, he is immune from any action,” said the minister.
The law minister remarked, “The Constitution doesn’t allow bills to be returned without comments or approval. Taking such an approach goes against the Constitution’s intent and essence.”
Mr. Solangi also stated that the purpose of the media briefing was to clarify the confusion stemming from the president’s comments.
