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On dual nationality
A person who has pledged allegiance to another country cannot be sincere with his vote.
KARACHI: The matter of dual nationals being allowed to hold public office is an interesting one. A few months back, when the election commission granted overseas Pakistanis — including dual nationals living abroad — the right to vote, the majority of people in the country seemed to be happy with the move. However, there is severe criticism on the matter of dual nationals (most of whom are living in Pakistan, interestingly) being allowed to hold public office.
The rationale being given for the opposition is that dual nationals have pledged allegiance to another country and would not be sincere to Pakistan. However, the same can be applied to voting rights — a person who has pledged allegiance to another country cannot be sincere with his vote. We cannot afford more than a million ‘insincere’ votes, can we? I find it hypocritical to demand voting rights for dual nationals yet, bar them from holding public office. The same logic — of the lack of sincerity — should be applied to both the matters and people with dual nationality should not be allowed to vote or hold public office.
Asad V Shairani
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2012.
Reader Comments (4)
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On dual nationality (II)
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Agreed. If other countries impose any sort of restrictions on dual nationals when it comes to holding office or voting then Pakistan should too.
Though I would like to know, Why are we so in-secure as a nation that we assume that when it comes to a dual national’s insincerity and dishonesty, it will always be Pakistan at the receiving end and not the other country that a person may also hold citizenship of. We need to quit this continuous circle of self-pity, paranoia and suspicion. It has taken us nowhere.
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Are the single nationality holders sincere to this country? any proof? Mafia of corrupt, dishonest, lazy, incompetent, traitors and terrorists do not want honest, hard working and sincere people in their ranks. Its that simple..
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Legally, any citizen of a country should be given their rights and voting is one of them. I have dual nationality and believe that I should be able to withhold my rights as a citizen of Pakistan. America allows their citizens to take part in elections after the people have recently gained citizenship. So why should Pakistan not allow their overseas citizens to take part? Why should we be denied of our legal rights? As far as the question of sincerity goes, how can sincerity be judged? What sets apart single nationality holders from dual nationality holders on the basis of sincerity?
When natural disasters occur in Pakistan, it is the overseas Pakistanis that assist in minimizing the chaos, rather it be from funds, charity or donations. When Pakistan does not object to the assistance/involvement of overseas Pakistanis in turmoils and natural disasters, why object to the involvement in political decisions?
As a Pakistani citizen I deserve to take part in the elections, it is my legal right.
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Whatever the verdict may be, it should be applied to both issues, holding office and voting rights.
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