ISLAMABAD:
Opposition leader in the National Assembly Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan of the PML-N admitted that his wife and children were US nationals, simultaneously terming the disclosure by WikiLeaks an attack on his ‘patriotism’.
“I am hurt since elements subservient to foreign powers are casting doubts on my love for my country,” Khan said at a press conference on Tuesday to clarify his position. “My in-laws were settled in the US and my wife was a US national at the time of marriage. “I have been in politics for the last 27 years but I have never compromised on national interest neither while I was in the government nor in the opposition,” he said. Khan maintained he had never concealed information, but there were several members of parliament and others in the government, who are dual nationals.
Khan referred to several meetings in which he had heated discussions with US officials to safeguard national interests. He said that his statements and speeches were part of the National Assembly record and he had never compromised on Pakistan’s interests.
Khan said that the government needs to review its relationship with the US. To justify his children’s nationality, Khan was left with no option but to mention a family dispute as a result of which his wife and children had gone to the US for six months. “When I came to know my children were to be given US nationality, I sent a legal notice to the US Embassy in Islamabad. The legal notice is on record, he said. “My children were given US nationality despite my reservations by the US consulate in Lahore.”
A WikiLeaks cable published in the press had stated that Khan’s wife and children were US nationals.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 14th, 2011.
COMMENTS (30)
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There is a talk of a multi-crore (South Asian Numbering System) deal being negotiated by a leading global news media corporation for the purchase of the domain pakwikileaks.com. It just shows that ".com is still the king" when it comes to domain extensions and with the popularity of the wikileaks fame it is no surprise that this domain is worth the big numbers
When you marry a US citizen and reside in the USA for three years, you become eligible to apply for Citizenship and that is your choice. When you do become a US citizenship, USA does not require you to give up your original citizenship. It may be against your own country's laws.
@Chaudhry Allah Daad,,,,,,,,,,,get your facts straight sir......all the criminals, liars and most of those who have dual nationalities are in fact liars......go and check the politicians for their dual nationalities ....there wdnt be a need of an argument. WAKE UP before its too late.....
they are liars there anjum akeel khan of islamabad has done corruption of million of rupees
Whats wrong with you guys. There is no harm in having dual citizenship. Its a privilege and honour. Infact its a proof of good character and achievement. Those who don't have are either very poor and illeterate or they are criminals. Those who call themselves patriots are world's number one liars. We can see their patriotism in every department of this poor country. They have sucked last drop of blood and are absuing those who send money for their food and clothes.
Foreign passport holder should not be in the army, Civil service and politics. Pass the Law now!
Fake anti-Americanism of Nawaz league is exposed.
This is what going on all over Muslim where in a group of elite ride over the whole populace and to keep the poor occupied and to hide shortcomings of their rule keep inventing imaginary ghost.From the whole middle east to Pakistan it is same old story.
@ijaz Mir "When you marry American women you automatically get US citizenship". . That's a common belief but incorrect you still have to jump through many hoops - many are surprised that even getting their spouses into the USA is a PIA.
@ ijaz Mir - "USA does not allow duel Nationality.Very strange CH. Nisar does not know ?" . Incorrect -- you don't have to drop your citizenship of your home country to become a USA citizen. Easy Google.
I agree with most of the posts here. Nisar should have come clean before elections or even now. I do have to make a correction here. Most Pakistanis in America have a US passpot. In addition they have a Pakistani passport and or National ID card. "There is no condition for Pakistani citizens to renounce their Pakistani nationality for US passport". Most of my friends go to Pakistan and use their national ID to avoid getting a Pakistani visa. I have seen my siblins go to Pakistan this way several times in the last decade. The dual citizenship with India is not allowed in the US. I am not trying to start a new debate but to give the facts as I see them everyday.
When you marry American women you automatically get US citizenship. How you can get elected member of parliament of Pakistan. when you are on list of US citizenship, This guy may be having green card. Mr Ch, Nisar I do not know you and I have no interest in Pakistani political parties. all of them stinks. come out clean that you have green card.
Typical Pakistani --- spends all his time bad mouthing the USA --- but has his bags packed in case he wins the green card lottery.
Cat is out of the bag. Stop critrising others.
US nationals travelling on Pakistan passports? USA does not allow dual nationality (except for jews). Will the US authorities take note of his families nationalities (or are they going to ignore it as this way they can have a hold on the leader of opposition)???
Chairman PAC's kids and wife have US nationality! How so patriotic? What a toothless tiger!
Its easier to blast at others and call them being stooges of the foreign powers. Ch Nisar should have decalred the nationality of his family to the nation before the wikileaks does that. I think that he should exit the political scene now and retire in the wilderness of the mid west in the US.
And someone who is a British national and has denounced his Pakistani citizenship controls Karachi from London. Why should this be so shocking?
The PML is worse than the PPP
Actually when Wikileaks reveals something about Zardari and Army, its correct; but when it reveals something about PML-N, "its always incorrect and blame on SINGLE patriotic party". Ch Nisar has already developed differences with Nawaz Sharif over party investment by Malik Riaz of Bahria Town, so he got another safe path to exit as leader of opposition and become man of principles to make awam stupid again.
its very easy to criticize others but when it comes to our own we start to make excuses. leader of the opposition already has a american wife and family so that if something bad happens to pakistan he can easily leave the country. i think there should be a clause in the constitution that any one with dual nationality or anyone who has any member of his/her immediate family can not contest the election.
yeah ....rite!!
This is incredible. I'm shocked at Chaudry Nisar. I believe all this drama is simply evidence of PMLNs frustration and insecurity of being outsmarted by President Zardari. This is further embarrassing because President Zardari had an 8 year disadvantage in politics since he was held captive while the PMLN leadership did deals to save on jail time. In addition, this unnecessary outpouring is also frustration to Imran Khans popularity whose party is gaining momentum on the expense of PMLN now and who's agenda like President Gul is mid right and whom now the Sharifs also want to emulate (but don't have a chance frankly).
I'm not a Zardari supporter but even I cannot help but be impressed by his intelligence and strategy.
Advice for PMLN, rather than crying over spilt milk (you guys are poised to even lose the title of leader of the opposition in the next election let alone forming government) actually go and do something with your hands. Build schools, agitate for taxing untaxed sectors such as agriculture, and for credible healthcare. Economy was definitely your stronger point compared to the PPP but it only benefited a few of your Punjabi Bradri such as the Mansha and Sapphire Groups. You need to change your image from being a ProPunjabi party to a ProPakistan party. If you can't understand these steps and still don't know what to do, just follow what Imran Khan is doing. That'll help you at least salvage a few seats.
Sorry we doesnt know that you are a small boy who dont have an idea about this, also why you done the renewal of your daughter visa/passport from London? We Pakistans are not babies we all know about you people? Dont tell lies be brave, nothing wrong if your hearts are clean.
USA does not allow duel Nationality.Very strange CH. Nisar does not know ?. Pakistani politic is where you make money than move to USA for comfortable life.
Dont worry you are son of the soil so you wont be picked on being a US Nationals. It is not only you..... All mullahs have ensured their kids a well settled in the US while they spew their venom here in the land of the messed up.