NA panel rejects bill seeking to lift ban on dual nationals in Parliament

Bill, tabled by MQM lawmaker, recommended to amend Article 63 of the Constitution


Peer Muhammad November 14, 2014

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights rejected on Friday the 22nd Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2014, which proposed lifting the ban on dual nationality holders from contesting parliamentary elections.

The amendment bill was tabled by Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) lawmaker SA Iqbal Qadri in the National Assembly during the previous NA session, and recommended to amend Article 63 of the Constitution to lift the bar on contesting parliamentary provincial assembly elections for dual nationals.

He said overseas Pakistanis were country’s assets, who have made significant contributions to the Pakistan economy through remittances; hence, any discriminatory law will be against the spirit of patriotism.

Headed by its chairman Chaudhry Bashir Virk, the standing committee's seven out of eight members, however, rejected the bill.

The law ministry in its brief presented to the committee contended that there may be case of conflict of interest in the case of a person who holds dual nationality.

There is not any bar on a person with dual nationality to cast vote in Pakistan; however, the situation of them contesting elections may not be conducive to good political order, the ministry added.

The law ministry also referred to Article 191 of the Indian Constitution, which says a person shall be disqualified as lawmaker if they have voluntarily acquired citizenship of a foreign state, or is under any acknowledgement of alliance or adherence to a foreign state.

The law ministry contended there is a large population of Indians all over the world, which is earning foreign exchange; yet, it does not allow dual nationals to contest parliamentary or state legislature elections.

The ministry recommended opposing the bill, as did members of political parties other than the MQM.

Human rights wing

Expressing its displeasure over the poor performance by the Human Rights wing, the committee asked it to pinpoint provincial, as well as federal laws, which are against fundamental rights.

Virk said the committee would review them and recommended for their amendments or repeal.

COMMENTS (17)

Asghar Ali chappar | 9 years ago | Reply

I am citizen of Pakistan by birth and acquired citizenship of U.K and colonies, by registration.This was after Pakistan parliament allowed me to do so through amendment to Pakistan Citizenship Act 1951 in 1972. So, I have only acquired the U.K citizenship with the consent of Pakistan. Nothing illegal under Pakistani law. Further, I have been domiciled in Pakistan for last seven years. I have a UK company pension and also have rental income from my U.K property. NADRA issues NICOP and POC to Overseas Pakistanis. NICOP is issued to Pakistani citizens only, while POC is for those Overseas Pakistanis who have acquired citizenship of a " foreign" state and have ceased to be citizens of Pakistan. Holding of "dual citizenship" is a right given to Pakistani citizens by Act of parliament, not to be undermined by Supreme Court or media or by ill informed politicians. Pakistani Constitution under article 63.1.C, it states " he ceases to be citizen of Pakistan or acquires a foreign citizenship". Hope this paper has the courage to publish this!

Moiz Omar | 9 years ago | Reply

I am a dual Pakistani citizen, but I agree with this decision.

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