On dual nationality and allegiances
However, every country which gives anybody its nationality demands complete allegiance of the person to that country. The question of whether a right to vote in elections in Pakistan, as well as the right to get elected, should be given to overseas Pakistanis or not, demands a careful study.
Firstly, there are those overseas Pakistani who have gone abroad on work or for studies or on other kinds of visas on their Pakistani passports and who have not acquired the nationality of the host country. Voting for a candidate of their choice is their basic right and the election commission should devise methods to facilitate the casting of their votes. One method that can be employed is to make polling booths at our embassies and consulates. Electronic voting can also make the process very simple. These people also have the right to contest for seats in the legislature like any other Pakistani, irrespective of the location they may be at on election day. A procedure has to be devised by the election commission to enable them to file their nomination papers if they wish to do so. I feel a procedure can be devised, which does not require the physical presence of the candidate at the time of filing or scrutiny of papers.
Those holding dual nationalities also have their Pakistani nationality intact. Voting procedures designed for Pakistani overseas workers can also be applied to those having dual nationalities. The question whether such people should be allowed to contest elections (of course after amending the Constitution) has to be carefully pondered. I would like to explain this point through some examples.
The US Congress and Senate support drone strikes on Pakistani territory. Our parliament considers these attacks as acts of military aggression against Pakistan. Personal opinions apart, which side will a member of our parliament who holds American nationality vote, while keeping his allegiance to the US intact?
Similarly, the Nato alliance consists of several countries. Our elected government guided by the elected parliament decided to stop the supply of Nato containers. In addition, we want the war in the region to end and foreign armies withdrawn and this desire directly conflicts with the strategy and designs of many other countries Pakistanis have a dual nationality of. Which side does an elected member of parliament, whose allegiance is divided lean towards?
Leave aside military conflicts, the trade war between countries is perpetual. There are questions of tariffs, quotas, restrictions where Pakistan’s interests directly conflict with the interests of our so-called ‘trading partners’. One shall certainly have to compromise his allegiance to one of the two countries, while making a trade policy. Which of the two countries does a legislator choose in such a situation?
I do recall and wish to share a conversation I had with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, when he said that expatriates are loyal neither to their country of birth nor to the country of adoption. They are loyal only to their own narrow self interests. I will not be that harsh but perhaps, Mr Bhutto had a valid point. I would only say that by all means enjoy your dual nationality. Just leave our elected houses alone.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2012.
COMMENTS (54)
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A Person can swear allegiance to only one flag.If someone is a Pakitani-national he is supposed to be loyal to the law of Pakistan only.Only this way he can serve the cause of Pakistan without any check or hindrance.In my view no one can be a true patriot if he has sworn allegiance to some other country under the law of that country as well,while being a national of Pakistan at the same time.Going out of Pakistan to seek job or do business is a different thing.But it should be made mandatory that no Pakistani should hold dual nationality in the first place.If he does so he should be denied the right to cast his vote in any national election and should not be allowed to become a public representative in any form.I say so because being a national of a country has many strings of responsibilities attached to it which he can not fulfil in his own country if he has sworn allegiance under the law of some other country as well.Mr.Taj Haider is an experienced politician.I am surprised how he says that 'PERHAPS Bhutto was right when he said that expatriates were not loyal to any-one except themselves'.Bhutto WAS right,there is no doubt in it nor there should be any.Another strange thing about the article is that Mr.Taj began with discussing about simple dual-nationality issue but ended his article at the note of expatriates (a very vague term in its meanings).btw is Mr.Lord Nazir also a Pakistani national?
Excellent article with valid points.
The law is being amended only in the interest of some gifted people; some are known and others are still hidden. Taj Haider has mentioned very logical points. But most important is that whether public or national interests are being safeguarded in my country? Whether public interest or country
s interest has ever been clearly defined or even discussed on any forum? Whatever is in personal interest of rulers and powerful is calledpublic interest. The best thing to do is that it should be obligatory for MNA/MPA or any other other public office holder that he should have been educated in Government run schools in Pakistan and should have rendered some type of services in any establishment of his area. He will also wear kurta shalwar or kurta pyjama while holding public office and all his belongings will be locally made and nothing of the sort ofBRANDED`. Foreign educated children can not bring any change to this country and are not aware of its problems. They are always fond of living abroad on one or other plea, when not in power. A verified Bio-data of the candidate, in detail, should be available with the voters.Atleast some sense still prevails amongst PPP senior members.
There is nothing wrong in having the dual nationality for a common citizen of Pakistan. However, for legislators, holders of dual nationalities should not be allowed. in fact dual nationality holder had already decided their long term place of stay i.e. abroard at the time of applying for dual nationality. so once it is decided to move on, than Pakistan and its business should not be the business of dual nationality holders.
as a policy, dual natiionality holders should not be allowed to hold public office. Having said that, i am sure the bill will not only be presented in the parliament but will also get approved, since it is in the interest of all the current looters, be it in any political party.
for rest of us . . . dont forget to vote sensibly in the next elections.
In a country like Pakistan loyalty and honour real or fake are big issues. Since it is so dual nationality must simply be banned. In India there is no problem because an Indian citizen cannot hold any other nationality. However there a foreigner can become an citizen and still contest for any elected office including PM.
Thanks for putting your view point so clearly. There can many ifs and buts and exceptions but law should be uniform. Only thing I will say is that this should be applied to all high stake jobs like army,police ,judges and ..........
Sir for the last two days my comments were all censored 100%. If it is not acceptable for the ET then I would not bother. I do not want to be where I am not welcomed. Some days they almost all appear while the other (change of duty?) none at all. BTW, a cool, calm and calculated Op Ed by a senior politician and it shows. I have been proposing a residency requirement for contesting elections. Instead of denying their birthrights the dual citizens must show a continuous residency in Pakistan for say 2 years. In fact in this regard there should be no difference even a pure Pakistani must also show residency in Pakistan instead of living large overseas.
The only objective of this bill is to protect politicians having dual nationalities who want to bleed our country and then run away as US and UK national so that we cannot try them in our courts.
@Khan: Khan Sahib, your emotions are very genuine, highly respected. And, like u several persons of Pakistan origin whose to obtain another passports, for whatever reason, does not make them less fond of their motherland and kith and kin they left behind. But, one cannot eat the cake and have it too. Sorry to say you are missing the essence of the issue under discussion which Mr. Taj Haider has so dispassionately and simply analysed. I totally agree with him, though I also enjoy the benefit of holding an additional passport. Saeed Chaudhry. @Arifq:
@Rana Umair: Come on Rana Sb. Simply return back to Pakistan and renounce whichever other nationality you have. We will more than welcome you to stand for elections to any of our august houses of governance!
I think haste to amend Dual nationality article is to facilitate Bilawal A Bhutto as he is due to start active politics. May be he is a British Citizen!
In Pakistan those who hold dual-nationality are usually privileged ones. If distinction has to be made, elites take the lead. . This means that mostly the elites in Pakistan hold the dual nationality, apart from a minority of middle class -- mostly the upper-middle class. Put differently, if dual nationals are allowed, it is like paving way for the elites to keep ruling over the masses. Therefore MQM and likes promoting & paving way for middle-class are in direct opposition with their interest/manifesto by supporting dual-nationals.
well! I am afraid and I wonder if our leaders have the capacity or capability to understand what Mr. Taj has shared in this article.
If dual nationals is given the right of membership of any house should not be a problem but the dual nationals should not be given the administrative positions in the government i.e. minister, adviser etc.
What an absolutely ridiculous and short-sighted article. It's easy enough for the Bhuttos of the world to treat 'expatriates' with disdain. If we all had the ability to loot the country, own our own fiefdoms and serfs, and pop off to London and Geneva for weekend shopping trips, I'm sure the rest of us wouldn't want any other country's citizenship either. It is precisely because the Bhuttos (and many others) have bled this country dry that we have to consider other nationalities, merely in order to continue as functioning members of the global society. Instead of asking why so many otherwise-patriotic and nationalistic citizens of Pakistan are applying for other nationalities, why don't we ask 'Why does no one else want our citizenship? What are we doing so wrong that not only are we failing to attract others but are actually driving our own people away?'.
Well said. A perfect article on the same issue is here with beautiful examples Dual Nationality and Conflict of Interest http://www.thepakistaninationalist.blogspot.com/2012/07/dual-nationality-and-conflict-of.html
how many pay their taxes and prove their loyalty? what is loyality?
Mr. Zulfqar Ali Bhutto was right,
You forgot the fact that it was your Zulfikar Bhutto, who started exporting Pakistanis to middle east and elsewhere as a commodities. He clearly said that open up passport offices in every district and hand them over to arabs so that they can be used as a low class animals. And now you are calling them "disloyal". You are so pathetic and ignorant that this country is surviving because of these so called "disloyal dual national", they send $14 billion to this messed up country where people like you are been fed. They visit to this country more often which is shy your PIA is working, your hotel industry is breathing. They visit their families, give them gifts and charities. What you have done?
Dont think that every body is Amb Haqqani/Dr. Rehman Malik. We are loyal to Pakistan, and we should have the right to run for assemblies. It will only educated overseas Pakistani who will Inshallah get this country a direction of peace and prosperity.
@Ali tanoli: I am only concerned with the person who is running his office not with their families. After retirement they have every right to leave the country and they are not a property of Pakistani people after retirement and no one can force them to live here. Also stop talking about someone's families and Pakistani people should learn that in modern world individuals does matter not their whole families.
Positions of responsibility in the government or elected officials must be Pakistan nationals alone. Sometimes form is as important as substance. And the oath for naturalization is not merely form it is a pledge of allegiance. How can a person have two sets of allegiance. Many people who assume offices of responsibility do so with the motives stated in the comments of Mr Rashid Khan. They are patriotic about Pakistan until the time they can avail the priviliges here. No other country permits such a practice let alone allow the loot and plunder that comes in the shape of foreign expertise. In other countries office holders of positions of responsibility and elected officials must declare any other affiliation they may have with foreign nationals and entities.
there is no harm in dual nationality but keep away from the elected house and even public office. A dual national in position of responsibility are liable to experience situations of 'clash of interest' and they would not be able to cope as well as could be expected of them. The Pakistan army does not allow dual nationals - anyone with dual nationality in its ranks has obviously concealed it and is liable for prosecution. When we quote examples of dual nationals in other countries we need to consider them in context of the situation prevalent there. India, only allowed dual nationality a few years back -probably during the premiership of Manmohan Singh. In Pakistan, we justify our desires with selective references from abroad. Dual nationals in positions of responsibility such as elected house can only damage our country. They have to proove their positives, so far they have nothing substantial to offer in their cause. They are plagued with the despised practice of coming to Pakistan to lord over the masses, rake in the loot during their period of office and board the next flight back to their newly adopted homes as soon as they are booted out of office.
Just one thing - why are you all banning a person who has pakistani parents, siblings, grandfather etc; has lived most of his/her life in pakistan; is a pakistani in every way but was born in another country just because his/her parents were abroad at that time! I mean people are mixing up the entire situation. there should be two categories of dual citizens: a) the people who abandoned pakistani citizenship for another country or chose to get another nationality and B) those people who were born in another country because their parents were abroad at their birth and did not choose THEMSELVES to get another nationality.
NOT MY FAULT THAT MY PARENTS WERE ABROAD WHEN I WAS BORN!
I have been an American citizen for over 40 years, and I do have dual nationality. I do not think it makes any sense for people with dual nationality to run for an elected office in Pakistan. You have divided loyalties and you left the country for greener pastures. Many of us do not know the struggles people over there are facing, and many of us do not know their issues. Most of these elite dual nationals have their children in this country, although they are so well-connnected. When you become an American citizen, you essentially take the oath of allegiance to the U.S., and the oath includes taking up arms for the defense of the U.S., if required. How does that square with the loyalty to Pakistan?
If Pakistan is ruled by democratically elected representatives, it will never go to war against any democratic country of the world. Democracies never fight with other democracies. As, all dual nationals are citizens of democratic countries, therefore, there is absolutely no chance that a democratic Pakistan would go to war against a country of dual nationality holder. Pakistan will go to war only, when its ruled by a dictator and in his regime, loyality of dual nationals would not be tested, because there won't be any elected house.
I support Taj Haider's point that one can't be loyal to both of the countries having opposite stand points. Guys don't forget Taj Haider's concrete examples which justify his point of view. It is fact that who is national of a country have "certain obligations/ sacred duties" to the nation one belongs to, irrespective of the policies and political ideologies. A person who has two nationalities, can't be able to satisfy both oaths of nationalities. He/ She has to prioritize a nation at certain point. Then why not prioritize before making them elected. Taj Haider is right in his point that Pakistan should be for "Pakistanis". We don't need "paratroopers". Pakistan do have brains and hands. Only what is needed is to exploit their potential. Let's forget this corrupt government and wait for next cleaner regime.
I myself happen to be living in North America for last twenty years. I completely endorse the Taj Haider point of view. Z. A. Bhutto is visionary and he is very much right, I have seen many expatriate living in Canada, who in my opinion, including myself are basically "ECONOMIC REFUGE" but I am sure for myself that mine physical body is in Canada but my soul is in Pakistan. It is very true that we can not assimilate in this society completely and became hard to settle back in Pakistan, we are difficult for our selves
This rule does not only apply only for Politician, it should apply to all level of federal, provincial and corporate employees. I have personally knows so many CSP (cream of federal employee) active serving Military personal, PIA, Steel Mills etc either got resident status of citizenship, why? I think they should be rule for them, it is easy for them to do corruption siphon looted money. In my opinion any dual citizenship or resident of other country should not be given any position even cleric job in public sector. I know it is bit harsh, but rule should be universally apply to everyone and not selectively.
@Ejaaz: yes; if the ship is sinking ,it's captain is the last one to step on to a lifeboat,this is the principle since time immemorial,unlike our leaders who safely alight onto greener pasteurs waving Good bye to the losers still on the ship.
I agree with elected officials having one nationality. It just doesn't look or seem right to be in that type of position in a country and not have 100% allegiance at least in paperwork. But... "Personal opinions apart, which side will a member of our parliament who holds American nationality vote, while keeping his allegiance to the US intact?" No, not personal opinions apart. He can be against them and still hold American nationality. There are plenty of born-and-raised Americans who can and would differ without bringing any harm to them. We don't force pack mentality. Pledging allegiance to America does not require agreeing with every policy.
Right now everyone is unsure if Pakistan is going to be okay in a few years. So Pakistanis view dual nationality as an escape route from a sinking ship, unlike others who view dual nationals as an asset in a global village. When most pakistanis cannot even get a visa to another country, getting a dual nationality is a HUGE thing. People in a sinking ship do not want to trust the decisions of the ship to people who they see as having one foot in a lifeboat. They want leaders who do not even have a life vest.
A dual national is like one caught between a mother and a spouse. Just has to work harder to mantain loyality with both.
Spot on. I think most of the people commenting here are confusing the difference between different layers of checks and balances. Preventing dual nationals from competing in elections is a structural impediment and formulation of additional policies that elected personnel should not abuse govt. resources is another layer of check on top of this structure. Both are necessary but it can not be concluded that since one is not working the other is useless. Forget about governments, conflict of interest is a key concern even in corporate sector companies (which are admittedly much smaller and deal with less sensitive information compared to that of governments)
it is so strange to see pele fighting on a non issue rich and influential people can go and live in any country they want, passport or no passport did Nawaz have a Saudi passport and Musharaf and others only those people can fight elections who are nominated by a political party no one is coming there to buy votes itbis done by people with Pakistani passport
everything becomes fair when our politicians need thier intrests, Can anyone tell me that How many common people are having the nationality of even afghanistan and soomalia? let the dual nationality go just feel the problems of common people who don't even have proper information to get simple visa for work and hundreds of poors die as they try to cross border illegally, our politicians just do the siasat on the name of poors, it is not the issue of common peoplee, pls make issue of issues not non issue.
It is a reflection on our country's sorry state of affairs when our leaders are hedging bet against Pakistan by having dual citizenship. I think a list of present and future leaders having dual citizenship should be published so that the Pakistani voters can decide for themselves if they can trust such "leaders" to protect the country's interest.
A respected man mr taj but his logic is childish Many american senators and citizens oppose drone attacks and Americas foreighn policy ao are they considerd disloyal to their coumtry America is unlikely to call its citozens abroad to pick up weapons against their native countries as wars are fought in a different way these days. I think this debate is mostly to try to divert attention from the contempt of court bill that he government is bringing in parliament and this time PPP desrves some credit for media management
"In conversation with Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, when he said that expatriates are loyal neither to their country of birth nor to the country of adoption. They are loyal only to their own narrow self interests". Its a million dollar reply by Z.A.B but unfortunately PPP is no more representing its ideology and is being run by thugs who are determined to take any step which can secure their own interest neither that of general masses or that of Pakistan. The bill need to be rejected if we want to be sovereign nation which we are not, otherwise its better to be colonies of British again
If loyalty is the benchmark then I ask the honorable Taj Sahib, what of those Pakistanis who willingly and in their good conscience conspire against or attack its armed forces? Should we draw a list of these people and withdraw their right to vote? Would you allow the state to bar Baluchis fighting for their rights from contesting elections simply because they are perceived as a threat? Where do we draw the line Sir? Taliban or terrorists involved in anti-state activities are they loyal to the state simply because they live here? This is not a sound argument, particularly in our case, a Country plagued with terrorism, no security to life or property, corruption, lack of opportunities, where parents were forced to send their children to foreign countries so they could be secure. Change the constitution if necessary, nobody has the right to challenge loyalty of those who wish to serve their people.
I remember the example of Muhamad Sacirbey, Bosnian holding American citizenship represented his native country as their UN Representative in extremely difficult times and then went on to become their Foreign Minister.
Full credit to Mr.Taj Haider for so clearly and correctly expressing his views. It is a shame the PPP does not have seasoned sensible people like him at the very top of the decision making pyramid.
@Gulzar Kandrani: For your info no Army personal could have a dual nationality. In Army you must renounce foreign nationality and then you can only perform and in Pakistani Army it is strictly forbidden to have a foreign nationality and then perform. Most of the time even you have to sumbit your Pakistani passport as well to authorities to ensure that you cannot leave Pakistan without permission.
@Gulzar Kandrani: For your info no Army personal could have dual nationality. In Army you must renounce foreign nationality and then you can only perform and in Pakistani Army it is strictly forbidden to have a foreign nationality and then perform. Most of the time even you have to sumbit your Pakistani passport as well to authorities to ensure that you cannot leave Pakistan without permission.
@Ahmed
The source of loyalty is a bureaucratic oath? Do dual nationals face an internal battle between two oaths, and one oath takes over the other? Every office holder takes an oath of serving the nation with utmost honestly, but mostly don’t. It’s just a useless routine. Some countries allow dual nationals, other don’t. Any Pakistani national can betray the nation, board an airplane and more abroad. Of course, that foreign nation, for which he betrayed Pakistan, would welcome him.
I agree with Ahmed. Loyalty is essential. Most people might forgive incompetence but not disloyalty. What do you think there is such harsh punishment, almost universally, for spying for a foreign country ? @Faraz, you sound glib about an important issue.
Have two points to make.
First one, we are talking about a number of elected high officials choosing a nationality beyond nationality of birth. This is not what is not discussed. They are thinking they get a choice if 'this' doesn't work. Elected officials not trusting the society they are supposed to improve. That's a tragedy. That's the best people you could find? All you have to do is make sure all political candidates state whether they hold dual nationality on their candidate declaration forms and let people decide whether to elect them or not. No need to make it illegal. That's just stupid.
Second, given the large number of elected officials with this 'disease', the question is why Pakistani people can trust so many nationalities whose countries they consider enemies (US, Britain, etc.), but they can't live with Hindu 'nation' who have been their blood. How messed up is that?
@ faraz.. you are wrong.. loyalty is as important as honesty and competence. A competent person in Parliament is no good to us if he or she is not loyal to Pakistan
I think it’s a useless issue. Whether dual nationals are allowed to conduct elections or not, it’s fine either way. Conduct is not dependent on oath; if political and military elite are corrupt then it doesn’t mean the oath allowed them. What’s more important is that honest and competent people make into the assemblies.