Allies differ: ANP not ready to relent on dual nationality bill

Parties not to discuss bill in parliament.


Sumera Khan July 21, 2012

ISLAMABAD:


The Awami National Party (ANP) formally conveyed its opposition to the dual nationality bill on Friday when the party’s lawmakers met Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf.


In a meeting with Prime Minister Ashraf, the ANP delegation led by Senator Haji Adeel shared their queasiness over the proposed legislation on dual nationality.

Senator Adeel himself described the party’s stance as being based on “principles rather than politics”. “The party considers it a grave threat to the sovereignty of the state if a foreign controversial figure gets into the highest office of the country.”

Earlier in the day, ANP pledged that it would not relent on its opposition to dual nationality bill before despatching a delegation to President Asif Ali Zardari and the prime minister.

During the meeting both the parties agreed not to discuss the bill in either the lower or upper houses of parliament.

The PM assured the delegation that he would do his best in resolving the issue as it was the first time ANP had strongly disagreed with the government. He also appreciated ANP’s support.Sources add that ANP also put forth a demand to enhance net hydel profits for Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

On the question of allocation of development funds, the prime minister said that parity will be observed in this regard. He underscored the importance of completing the ongoing development schemes. He also assured them that the government would assist ANP financially and technically in the Chashma right bank canal, Lowari Tunnel in Chitral and Munda Dam in Fata keeping in view their agricultural, energy and flood control needs.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 21st, 2012.

COMMENTS (7)

S. Ali Raza | 11 years ago | Reply

ANP will agree to it.

Pashtun voice | 11 years ago | Reply

This law should be applied to anyone who has a green card and who has permanent residence of any sort in Europe. Furthermore, anyone who owns a residence in Dubai should not be allowed to contest.

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