The Official Secrets Amendment Act is being challenged at the LHC.

LAHORE: According to Channel News, an application challenging the Official Secrets Amendment Act was filed today in the Lahore High Court.

The petitioner, Advocate Mohammad Muqsit Saleem, voiced concerns about the amended law, prompting the Federal Government and the Ministries of Law and Interior to join the suit.

This action follows a declaration from Pakistan’s President claiming that he did not sign the Official Secrets Amendment Act Bill, throwing doubt on its legitimacy and procedural soundness.

The petitioner claimed in the plea that the act was not passed in line with legitimate legislative procedure. In response, the petitioner has requested that the Official Secrets Amendment Act be halted until a final conclusion is reached.

Furthermore, the application requests that the court deem Sections 11, 4, and 2 of the Official Secrets Amendment Act unlawful, and requests that a restraining order be issued, thereby delaying the law’s operation until the court renders a decision.

Previously, President Dr. Arif Alvi denied signing the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill, 2023, as well as the Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill, 2023.

Arif Alvi resorted to X [previously known as Twitter] to express himself. Arif Alvi stated that he did not sign the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 because he disagreed with these legislation.

“I instructed my staff to return the bills unsigned within the time frame specified in order to render them ineffective.” I asked them several times whether they had been returned and was promised that they had. However, I discovered today that my employees had undercut my will and leadership. Allah, who knows everything, will forgive IA. But I beg pardon from those who will be affected,” Arif wrote on X.