Allies differ: ANP not ready to relent on dual nationality bill
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.
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ANP will agree to it.
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.
This racism speaking.
The ANP has taken a correct principled stand, lets hope they don't waver.
Imran you've to get out of your tunnel vision and think beyond religion and jealousy.
Countries like US, India, France, Germany etc - all of them do not allow dual nationals to participate in election or army etc.
Because as dual nationals, many Pakistani-Americans have taken an OATH in the US that they'll take up weapons to protect the US if needed. How can we allow such people to get any office in our country if they've taken oath to protect another country's interests?
Think about it. It's a matter of Pakistan and our future generations' security.
I hate ANP for the fact that they and MQM allowed PPP to pass the new contempt-of-court law, that gives free hand to the prime minister and 4-8 ministers (and made them above the law - so the court can't question them for ANYTHING). But it's a good thing that ANP (even if for publicity) is taking a stand on dual nationality issue.
I hope duals are allowed to contest. You can't judge a person on dual nationality and most people who oppose it i think are jealous of duals !!
Kudos to the ANP. How is it that a perceived 'Regional Ethnic Nationalist political party' has more 'principles and concerns about protecting the sovereignty of the State' than does the perceived 'Largest National Political Party'?