ISLAMABAD: Islamabad’s Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s (MQM’s) deputy convener, Dr Farooq Sattar, said on Friday that barring dual nationality holders from becoming part of the political process was not good for the country’s economy and the country in general.
“Overseas Pakistanis are playing their role in strengthening Pakistan’s economy through the foreign exchange they are sending to Pakistan. Legislation barring them from becoming part of Pakistan’s democratic system could badly discourage them. Pakistan should not pay them back in such a way,” he remarked.
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad to highlight his party’s policy regarding proposed legislation against dual nationality holders‚ Sattar said doubts were being created regarding the nationalism and loyalties of overseas Pakistanis holding dual nationality.
The minister also said that parliament should deliberate and produce positive legislation on the dual nationality issue because overseas Pakistanis have rendered extraordinary services for the development of the country and for democracy, adding that there should be an amendment in the Constitution on the matter.
He explained that foreign remittances and investment in the country by overseas Pakistanis play a vital role in alleviating the country’s economic problems.
“Being a minister for overseas Pakistanis, it was my duty to take measures for their welfare but now I’ll fight for their rights to be protected from such unwise legislation,” the MQM leader said.
Responding to a question, he said that this type of legislation doesn’t exist anywhere in the world, and instead, most countries encourage their citizens to take part in indigenous and foreign democratic systems. He added that the situation in Pakistan was the reverse, deeming it “quite unfortunate”.
The minister also said he has recently returned from the United States where he met members of the Pakistani community, their organisations and business entrepreneurs. He said overseas Pakistanis and those holding dual nationality are promoting a soft image of Pakistan across the world and are very concerned over the Supreme Court’s verdict on the issue.
Citing Article 63 (1) (c) of the Constitution regarding dual nationality, Sattar said that the lines “he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan or acquire the citizenship of a foreign state” were narrowly interpreted by the courts as the intention of this clause is to acquire the citizenship of a foreign state by giving up the citizenship of Pakistan which is not the case with dual national Pakistanis. He added that this was confirmed by the declaration of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), which allowed dual national Pakistanis the right to vote and considered them citizens of the country until now.
The minister also cited the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which states, “Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his/her country...”
He went on to say that overseas Pakistanis holding dual nationality claim Pakistan as their country, and Pakistan also considers them to be citizens since they hold a National Identity Card, Pakistani Passport and the right to vote in the general elections. Therefore, he stated, they have the right to be parliamentarians in Pakistan.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 6th, 2012.
COMMENTS (11)
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Probably Dr. Satar wont like to read this: One of the main duel nationality beneficiaries since 1947 were n are MQM members (having Indian, British n Pakistani nationality). Being minister of Overseas Pakistani's it would be interesting if Dr. Satar publish total exact numbers (not names) under his ministry n than segregate provinces wise. Let people of Pakistan read facts which group is benefiting from this undeclare facility. Right of vote is one thing, holding political n ministries another. Dr. Satar needs to separate apple with oranges.
Most of these politician were unsuccessful in UK and USA. Cab drivers and gas Station clerk. now making their wealth and buying properties in USA. need to investigate their family members investment around the world. Don't trust these tugs.
Khalid's comments are relevant and indeed revealing. Remittance argument is irrelevant and it is only to confuse people of Pakistan. Most dual nationality holders who participate in elections, hold public offices and loot Pakistani institutions do not remit any money. These so called 'leaders' only take money out of country. Please MQM, PPP MLN and others do not insult intelligence of population of Pakistani origin living overseas!
Utter nonsense! Dual nationals should not be permitted to become MPAs and MNAs.
Maybe after few generations, but right now most expats are vital for us
Thank you MQM !!
MQM on this isuue makes no sence specially when there leader holds dual nationailty, yes the oversea pakistanis like me contribute to our economy and do mainly from UAE, Saudia and other Gulf states and these countries do not give nationalities and this group of pakistanis do not hold dual nationalites, the other group holding dual nationalities belong to UK, USA, Canada have sworn allegeance to these countries, have taken enormous amount of wealth out of pakistan and want to continue doing this, most of our parlimentarians belong to this category,how can you allow these individuals to hold public office, please do not destroy the integrity of Pakistan and being a Pakistani, please do not say that this will upset oversea pakistani and economy of our country....