Dual nationality case: Altaf asks SC to reconsider decision

Altaf asked Supreme Court not to doubt the patriotism of overseas Pakistanis.

KARACHI:

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain has again appealed to the judiciary to allow dual nationality holders to contest the elections.

After a recent Supreme Court verdict, several members of the national and provincial assemblies were disqualified on the grounds that they held dual nationalities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the MQM, Altaf asked Supreme Court Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry and other judges not to doubt the patriotism of overseas Pakistanis. “Pakistanis living abroad are ambassadors of the country,” he said. “Expatriate Pakistanis had always helped their country and they should not be treated as second-class citizens.”

The MQM chief added that he was not making the point in his own or his party’s interest but for the sake of the country.

On October 4, Altaf had raised similar points in a speech and appealed that the government, Supreme Court and the Election Commission of Pakistan should look into allowing overseas Pakistanis the right to vote.

During his recent meeting with President Asif Ali Zardari in London, the leaders had agreed that the government would attempt to legislate on this with the support of coalition partners.

The bill to allow dual nationals the right to vote is currently pending with a Senate standing committee and once it is presented, the MQM is likely to push for it to be passed by parliament.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 10^th, 2012.