Pakistan

Dual nationality: ‘Disqualification of parliamentarians to be decided within 30 days’

Acting chairman Senate hints that a committee in consultation with members of political parties may be formed shortly.

Our Correspondent September 26, 2012

ISLAMABAD: Acting chairman Senate Sabir Baloch has said that the issue of disqualification of parliamentarians having dual nationalities, including Interior Minister Rehman Malik, will be decided within 30 days in accordance with the law and the Constitution.

Speaking to Express News, Baloch said that if the law does not authorise the chairman Senate or the Speaker National Assembly to take a decision, then the Election Commission of Pakistan should take a decision instead.

However, he hinted that a committee in consultation with members of various political parties may be formed shortly.

Legal and constitutional experts said that the Election Commission, and not the Supreme Court, has the prerogative to take a decision on the matter.

COMMENTS (1)

samina | 12 years ago | Reply It is too soon to conclude where this reassessment of the nationality status of our legislators may end up. If only a few are found to be in breach of the constitution and law on candidature while possessing dual nationality, it is conceivable that their seats could be filled through by-elections between now and the general elections. If, however, a large number of such MPs are identified and disqualified, it remains an open question whether large numbers of by-elections could be completed before the general elections kick in. And between now and then, such a development could add pressure on the government not to insist on its wish to see out its term to the full, but instead to opt for earlier elections. As the general elections loom, this and many other issues are steadily narrowing the room for manoeuvre for the government and adding to its concerns regarding holding the fort until at least March 2013. It is tantamount to create mess because Govt is unable to hold elections on so many constituencies. It is wastage of public money and time.

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