ISLAMABAD: In a change of federal bureaucracy, President Arif Alvi has succeeded in getting the secretary of his choice, The News reported on Tuesday.
Muhammad Shakeel Malik, a Grade 22 officer of the Secretariat Group, who was serving as Secretary of the Parliamentary Affairs Division, has been appointed Secretary to President Alvi.
The appointment is effective immediately and until further notice.
According to the publication, the president chose after interviewing the country.
After Waqar Ahmed’s resignation, the post of Secretary to the President became vacant and Additional Secretary Irm Bukhari was given an additional charge.
The president initially sought services from Grade 22 DMG officer Humaira Ahmed but refused to take office after a dispute over two bills.
The keynote address became controversial in August when President Alvi claimed in a shocking revelation that he had never agreed to the Official Secrets (Amendment) Bill 2023 No 2 and Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2023.
The president revealed that he had not signed both bills, which had caused widespread controversy in the country.
“As God is my witness, I did not sign the Official Secret Amendment Bill 2023 and the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 because I did not agree with these rules،” President Alvi said on X, first Twitter.
“I asked its staff to return the bills without signing within the stipulated time to make them ineffective. I have repeatedly confirmed to them whether they have been returned and assured that they were. ”
“ However I found out today that my staff hurt my will and order. As Allah knows, He will forgive the IA. But I apologize to those who would be affected, ” he added.
President Alvi then sought to immediately hand over Waqar Ahmed’s services to the Establishment Division.
Hours after his dismissal, a secret letter came to light in which Ahmed clarified his position on the bills.
The official added that he “neither delayed the two bills nor committed any irregularities or negligence”. He added that the files of the bills are lying in the office of the President till today (August 21).
He said the president’s decision to hand over his services was not based on justice. He also called for an FIA inquiry into the facts and for any negligence on the part of an officer or official OK.
