Another application was filed in the Supreme Court against the interior minister’s dual nationality case amid contradictory reports on whether Rehman Malik is still a British national or not.
A report published in an English newspaper claims that the British authorities have accepted Malik’s application to revoke his British nationality, while the petitioner Advocate Akram Sheikh claims that Malik is still a citizen of the UK.
However, a UK-based Pakistani lawyer who deals with immigration cases, Muzamil Mukhtar says the British authorities are not permitted to disclose the status of a current or former national, unless the person in question gives in writing that they are allowed to do so.
Sheikh, who filed the application on behalf of journalist Shahid Masood on Saturday, urged the court to administer restraint on dual nationalities of parliamentarians. He also produced relevant material which he noted would help the court in the case. “It is most respectfully prayed that this court … to take into consideration the documents attached with this application.”
In its last hearing, the Supreme Court rejected the documents submitted by Malik, asking him to submit ‘genuine’ documents by June 4 which proclaim that he has handed in an affidavit to give up his UK citizenship in 2008.
Sheikh maintains that holding another country’s citizenship creates inherent conflicts of interest and disables the person in question from exercising his/her obligations honestly and truly.
He cited the example of American citizens who take an oath to be loyal and faithful to US interests. According to Article 5 of the Constitution of Pakistan, a citizen is promised extraterritorial protection in return for “unquestioned loyalty to the state.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated Interior Ministry in place of Interior Minister. The correction has been made.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 3rd, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ
@Logic Europe: Mind you, we are not talking of 'millions of Pakistanis', we are talking of legislatures who have to make laws. In the case of conflict of interests which country they'll side with? Poor Pakistan or the country they have taken oath to be loyal to? I am sure they'll side with the country they have stashed away their ill-gotten wealth in - for fear of not not losing it. Without me and you even knowing about it. Isn't it what has been happening for decades?
@Mirza: cry even more but the constitution is absolutely clear on dual nationality of the parliamentarians. If you are not happy with the pco judges then ask the NRO beneficiaries to amend the constitution.
@Mirza: Cry some more
If Malik says he is Pakistani then he is. If he says I am not UK citizen he is not. If the court or somebody disputes it, the burden of proof is on them and not Malik. If someone says I am not a Pakistani then they have to prove that I am not. I do not need to prove anything. The PCO SC has nothing imp to do except chase individual members of PPP. The prosecution should prove that he has not renounced the citizenship.
Why can't Malik brings a Certificate of Renunciation signed by an appropriate U.K authorities. There is no need to submit side or supporting documents. Malik's statements are not taken on face value by anyone let alone the Pakistani Courts. Malik is on a sticky ground - the sooner the better.,
HADI SAKEY
Please leave Malik alone. He is British or Pakistani He is running the country in a good manor every one is safe. Law and order is prevailed. British was running India since 1857 very nicely. Please give Malik a chance he will be better Than Gora Britisher.
If Mr Malik loses his membership of the Parliament does he lose his ministership? Why does the Pakistani press not comment on that? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
whats this fuss?sometimes apples n sometimes bananas ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
@Logic Europe: One needs to understand the fact that having dual nationality is not a crime, but having a public office with dual nationalities is a matter of question. How can a person having sworn to two states can justify his loyalty to one where the two states play for their own objectives and citizens?
@Logic Europe: The Original Pakistanis with no foreign Nationalities are absolutely right. If you want to take Public office or wants to govern us then be a Pakistani Citizen with the fullest or else leave us alone. In the past many politicians took the posts as business and then they plundered and run away. Mr Shaukar Aziz was the prime minister of Pakistan but now he gives a damn about Pakistan. End of the Story is that if you want hold office in Pakistan then renounce one nationality. You will not expect the non UK resident to take up some post of UK so in a similar manner a Non Pakistani citizen even in papers have no right to bear Office.
So all overseas pakistanis with dual nationality can not be trusted as all these middle to old age people may be asked to take up arms against their country and will be expected to win wars Thre is a limit to petty mindedness Millions of Pakistani in Britain have double nationality, it has never bothered that country although it is generally believed that Pakistan supports terrorism And mr akram sheikh ,which Islamic law supports or opposes NATIONALITY ?
waste opf time -
"interior ministry’s dual nationality " OR "interior ministr’s dual nationality" well both are dual nationals :D