Self-exiled Altaf Hussain speaks for dual nationality holders

MQM chief maintains overseas Pakistanis should be allowed to vote, dual nationals allowed to contest elections.

KARACHI: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) leader Altaf Hussain, who has been living in self-exile in London for several years, questioned the stance of the Supreme Court against lawmakers with dual nationalities and the issue of overseas Pakistanis not being allowed to vote.

“I was born, studied and raised in Pakistan and also acquired dual nationality, will I seize to be less loyal to our soil, where I was born and where my ancestors are buried?” Hussain began his address with the question.

Further questioning the voting rights of dual nationality holders, Hussain asked, “If any political government forces any one out of the country on political grounds and enduring his exile, he is naturalised in any other country, should he not be allowed to contest the elections, knowing fully well the circumstances under which he acquired his new nationality?”

Citing examples of other countries, Hussain said that Sonia Gandhi was not born in India yet she holds a prominent position in India’s political sphere. He also mentioned US President Barack Obama who was also not entirely American. “Arnold Schwarzenegger also retained his Austrian citizenship during his service as the governor of California.”

Mentioning Prophet Mohammad’s (pbuh) migration from Makkah when he faced security issues, Hussain said that it was actually  sunnat to migrate due to infavourable conditions.

Hussain maintained that those who had left the country were still patriots and their right to vote for the right leader should not be taken away. Similarly, those holding dual nationalities should also not be barred from contesting elections, as it would be highly unfair to the patriots, he remarked.

The party chief also suggested that a referendum should be held of overseas Pakistani asking them whether they still love Pakistan or not.