NEW DELHI - Pakistan President Arif Alvi's office on Monday removed a top official, a day after the staff was accused of insubordination in carrying out his orders.
Alvi in a social media post said on Sunday that he did not sign two key draft laws that boosted the powerful military’s authority.
However, the laws were officially published as deemed to have received the president's assent.
"In view of the definite statement of yesterday, President’s Secretariat has written a letter to Principal Secretary to Prime Minister that the services of Mr. Waqar Ahmed, Secretary to President, are no more required and are surrendered to the Establishment Division, immediately," the president’s office said on Monday.
Alvi earlier said that he had asked his staff to return the Official Secrets Amendment Bill 2023 and Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2023 unsigned to the legislature within the stipulated time to make them ineffective as he did not agree with these laws.
"However I have found out today that my staff undermined my will and command," the president said on Sunday.
The president's post in Pakistan is largely ceremonial but it comes with crucial constitutional responsibilities.
Indirectly chosen for a five-year term through an electoral college made up of legislators, the president is the head of state, while executive powers are exercised by the national cabinet headed by the prime minister. - BERNAMA