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.
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i agreed 2 dual nationality
Submition of nomination paper of a candidate holding as a dual nationlity is against the constitution.So action be taken against them and they may not be allowed to take part in Pakistani poltics at all.
I totally agreed with Altaf Hussain We Should Have Every Right Like Other Pakistani's Have Becz We Live Out Side Pakistan But Our Heart's Beats is For Pakistan,, I Appricated Him,
@smj: No brother Mohammad Kabir. More than 80% of overseas Pakistan are in Middle East where there is no concept of nationality. Only handful are in Europe such as Shoukat Aziz, Moinuddin or Lord Mountbatten.
@Farheen Rizvi: Remittance is not coming from UK or other European countries. They are coming from Middle East where their is no concept of dual or any type of nationality. The concept is wrong, false.
Altaf bhai quoted according to Tribune as under: “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. The theory of Altaf Bhai is mischievous. If my father migrated from India to Pakistan. Did he mean that my father loves the soil of India and he will be faithful to India rather than Pakistan. Altaf bhai has forgotten his ancestors and all the ancestors of Urdu speaking who votes for MQM are buried in India. 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. Altaf bhai is not aware that Sonia Gandhi has already surrendered her nationality as well as her Italian Passport to the Italian Embassy in New Delhi on April 27, 1983 and acquired Indian nationality. Allahabad High Court has also given a Judgement in her favour. Barack Obama and Arnold Schwarzenegger both are American Nationals. They owe allegiance only to the nation of USA and none to other countries. They are not half Americans as rightly pointed out by the Chief Election Commissioner of Pakistan. Altaf Hussain wrongly with ulterior motives mentioned the name of our Holy Prophet migration. Overseas Pakistan who are in Middle East constitute almost 80 % of the entire overseas resident, they hold only one nationality that is Pakistan. They earn for the country in billions and sent back to Pakistan. Please dont distort history for nefarious designs. No adventures like Shoukat Aziz, Moin to come and rule us and leave with a suitcase. Let me tell every body Lord Mountbatten, also has a dual nationality like Altaf Hussain. No more to comment.
Very well said Shoaib Jafri.. I hope CJ can understand this... I love Pakistan more than the people who are living in Pakistan. and i dont think so i have to prove it..
What is Dual Nationality? What i see today, world is a global village, people from one part of the world thinks, that there interests are hooked up with the interests of the people of the other side. And if somebody is talking about the patriotism, then, in my view patriotism is the love, care and responsibility of someone or something. No matter where you are, you have the same feeling for your loved ones. I love the family i am from and would like to see the well-being of it. So for some reason i have dual nationality i have no right to think, help, worry or administer both the nations countries or families. Thats cruel. And if somebody is talking about sincerity.In my view, the only way to judge someones sincerity are his deeds. So its very unjust to talk or make a decision about someones patriotism or sincerity without judging first. We need to sit and dialog before making any decision.
Brave stance!! why overseas Pakistanis are less loyal to Pakistan? can't understand when Pakistan is in trouble/flood all political parties and Govt of Pakistan ask us to donate generously, Govt of Pakistan ask us to send money via legal methods to support Pakistan economy, we are sitting abroad fitting for Pakistan's image and we are less loyal ...Creation of Bangladesh in 1971 was not a responsibility of overseas Pakistanis or so far till today condition of Pakistan socially and economically is not due to overseas Pakistani's it is because of those elite and 2% of Pakistani who have Pakistani passport and have enough money to buy any country, we love Pakistan same as people living in Pakistan, we need our right to vote and take part in general elections.
We Salute Altaf Hussain Bhai For Always Being Upright For The Rights Of The Comman Pakistanis Weather They Are In Pakistan Or Overseas
Overseas Pakistanis should have equal rights to cast their votes. Totally agreed with Mr. Altaf
When it comes to economy crisis, we need more remittance frm overseas Pakistanis, when it comes to their rights we dout on their loyalties. Altaf Hussain is right, they should get both rights.
The people in this forum must understand that opposing Altaf Hussain or opposing his idea. Pity on you. If a person who lives abroad and has love for his country he/she should hold dual nationality. I agree with him on this issue. Atleast they can implement good governance instead of 100 years old system of British Rule which is obsolete now everywhere. The typical Pakistani mentality does not see any person doing good for his country. instead of commending his efforts they turn against him knowingly. I am sure the day will come soon when the young generation will realise that the pathetic system/law in Pakistan will lead them to dark ages and get rid of the people leaders including the so called CJs. They are only playing dirty politics and no respite for the common man. The are not interested to empower common people by allowing local body election, local policing and so cheap justice for all the citizens of Pakistan. Present judiciary is unable to address the core issues of common people of Pakistan instead of being proxy of Nawaz Group. Balochistan issue is infront of all of you. It is Punjab who is responsible for East Pakistan tragedy now Nawaz is supporting the enemies of Pakistan. Mind it Mengal does represent all Balochis.
Altaf Hussain ,why don't you come in Pakistan and give your this lesson on dual nationality for law makers of Pakistan, knowing vey well that what you are trying to preach is wrong.Instead of facing all those cases against you in Pakistan you are hidding yourself in London and interferring with legal system.
Altaf Bhai is always wrong. He is just defending himself and the extortion that he can do due to the fact that he is a politician and resident in UK.
Annoyed, "I wonder what his source of income is ?." You are unaware that he enjoys great respect in his community and I don't wonder if his followers weigh him in gold! afterall it's not forbidden:
MQM's Chief Altaf Hussain has always spread the vast ideology on the ground of Realism and Praticalism. His statement about the dual-nationality holder is all good keeping in view the rights of Overseas People who ought to be considered as much Loyal as the people living in the nation. Migration form one place to another is not crime but that could done if there are certain unfavourable condition. I have seen this leader always spreading the great thought which probably help the nation to get on the right track. Now, it's our responsibility to catch the righteous one and follow him as the Leader to bring Pakistan back on the right track.!
As AltafHussain is a muslim so first lets talk about islamic prespective : in islam every human is free & have rights to select and elect his leader ... in islam a person have to select his own IMAM & MUJTAHID to which that person has to follow (TAQLEED).... if a muslims dies without selecting any mujtahid/imam/leader then he is considered to be died as a non-muslim/kafir (it is written in the fundamental books of islam) so a/c to this concept we have to select our leader i.e a living leader after the leadership of ALLMIGHTY ALLAH & HIS PROPHET peace.be.upon.you ....
Basically this dual nationality is not the main topic ... Main thing is that either people are happy and satisfied with the current system or not ...
Altaf bhai, you are welcome to vote for IK
I agree with Altaf Hussain, there should be a referendum on this matter.
@Reas: He is a coward and treacherous. No attempt on his life was apparently made. He was just paranoid. Ayatollah was a phenomenon. He was a spiritual leader. Altaf sustains his life on extortion and blackmail. Altaf leads a section of population predominantly Urdu speaking and that only confined to Karachi. Ayatollah led the whole nation.
Don't mind AH's wish list and self proclaimed solutions. He can flip any time as has demonstrated million of times. He is sitting outside anyway so, no need to take his guidance.
I dnt knw wat he wants to prove actualy he knws he wil never come back in pakistan so he wants to control pakistan as parlimentarian from london i think dual national person like Altaf bhai not all dual nationals never b loyal wid pakistan he used money of pakistani people and run his sectariat in london its not justice
Is he dual national himself?
Totally wrong. It's only sunnat to migrate for to protect your faith. Our prophet (PBUH) migrated when he realized that spreading Islam was not possible in Makkah and Allah ordered him to migrate to Madina which he obeyed.
Altaf bhai has a big heart. He is always esposuing the cause for everyone - feudals, landless, hindus, christians, shias etc
Now the loin's pray is CJ .
Altaf defending himself here, nothing else. All dual nationals should have a vote, but not office holder for security reasons. Its already a rule for people joining Armed forces of Pakistan. Same should be applied to all jobs of secure nature.
Dual Nationals can be allowed to vote. But they should not be allowed to become Parliamentarian. I would go further to say that no one should be allowed to control any political party from another country. Even leaders of political parties like NS and BB should not have been allowed to retain leadership of their parties when they were in exile. Musharraf also should not have been allowed to register his party when he is in exile.These political parties should have been dissolved as soon as their leaders went on exile. Imran Khan is flawless as far as this is concerned. For the good of the country, no one should be allowed to rule the country or lead a revolt from overseas. But Pakistan is totally different where it is the norm of major political parties to hold meetings outside the country.
Obama isn't entirely American- yeah I forgot he's part martian part Guatemalan-cum-Peurto Rican. There is a law about any American President being a natural American citizen. Which means they were born on American soil and hold no other nationalities.
Here is the fuss about dual nationality: Farahnaz "traitor" Ispahani for example was living in America consoling her hubbies grievances while she was an MNA... How does it make any sense for her to be part of the assembly while she's pledged loyalty to America and its enemies?
Dual citizens should be allowed to cast vote but that is the extent of it. They should be barred from being appointed in the Cabinet/Parliament/Assemblies and should have to give up their second nationality should they wish to serve Pakistan. That should be the case because you cannot be an American serving in Pakistani government or assemblies. This is the only issue I support the court on, otherwise all they've been doing is setting the terrorists free and handing over a brothel owner to a mullah....
Only Mr Altaf Hussain Always Being Upright For The Rights Of The Comman Pakistanis Weather They Are In Pakistan Or Overseas.
Arnold's Austrian citizenship had already been called off by austrian governemnt after he retained death penalty in california. Sonia is no longer an italian citizen. Why pakistan will require foreigners to rule them ? in case of war england vs pakistan , will mr. altaf join england or pakistan ?
I wonder what his source of income is ?
Arnie doesn't run a politial party in Austria from USA nor Obama has any affiliation with his ancestors' place. Obama was born in Hawaii, studied in the USA & has been a tax payer ever since. Obama does not hold any other nationality. Sonia Gandhi has lived alll her life in India. She didn't run away to Itlay. She could have but she DIDN'T, infact she renounced her Italian nationality in 1983 to participate in Indian politics. Names AH has mentioned, in order to justify his support for dual nationals, have served the countries they LIVE IN, not where they were born.there are several muslim Pakistani, Indian and other Asian people who live in UK and serve their local community by participating in UK politics not Indian, Pakistani or Sri Lankan politics..
Please learn to state facts honestly. Sonia Gandhi gave up him her Italian citizenship on April 27, 1983, and now she holds only one nationality – Indian.
The head of state must be only loyal to the state as every Legislative assembly member is eligible to become head of state so they should poccess only nationality and that of the state they are legislators. If Mr Altaf Hussains argument can be accepted then there will be a conflict of interest in foreign policy making between 2 countries, economic policies wont be unbiased. Also those who dont have faith in Pakistan only go for other nationalities and we dont need them as our leaders.
While I am not keen on Mr. Altaf, I do agree on this point!
We Salute Altaf Hussain Bhai For Always Being Upright For The Rights Of The Comman Pakistanis Weather They Are In Pakistan Or Overseas
No one is bothered about his stance on dual nationality.
Altaf Hussain should not compare himself with our Prophet (PBUH). He feels uncomfortable by the ongoing hearing in the Supreme Court because he knows that nearly half of his disciples in Karachi who are sitting in the provincial and national assemblies have dual nationality. I am sure if the investigations by the SC and ECP continue unhindered, these so called leaders belonging to Altaf Hussain's party will be proved liars and will be booted out of assemblies.
Altaf Bhai is right in his statement in favor of millions of Pakistanis living abroad who wants to take part in constructing a better Pakstan from their first hand experiences from abroad. Mr. Iftikhar Chaudry as chief justice of Pk should play constructive role instead of creating more chaos every other day.
Dual nationals should vote but must not be elected representatives. if they want to contest elections they must surrender their dual nationality.