Dual nationality bill: Senate to open debate on Monday
Days after the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) sought fresh declarations from lawmakers that they do not hold dual nationality, a Senate committee has decided to deliberate upon the 22nd Amendment Bill, also known as the dual nationality bill, this Monday (October 15).
Headed by Senator Muhammad Kazim Khan from the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice will discuss the bill, introduced in Upper House of parliament on
July 10.
On October 9, the ECP had warned all lawmakers to submit their declarations of not holding dual nationality within 30 days otherwise they would be assumed to be in possession of citizenship of another country.
Following the decision, the commission has sent letters to all 1,174 members of the Senate, and the national and provincial assemblies.
Under the Constitution, a person is not eligible to become a member of parliament or a provincial assembly if they possess any foreign nationality.
The constitutional provision was not adhered to until recently, when the Supreme Court on September 20 disqualified 11 lawmakers from different political parties, judged to be dual nationals.
The 22nd Amendment Bill had suggested an amendment in Article 63 of the Constitution and had sought substitution of paragraph (c) in clause (1) that reads, “he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan, or has acquired citizenship of a foreign state expect a State with which the federal government has a dual nationality arrangement under the law, before or after the commencement of the Constitution (Twenty-Second Amendment) Act, 2012.”
The proposed amendment would allow parliamentarians to hold dual nationalities of 16 countries with which Pakistan has an agreement.
The statement of objects and reasons of the bill pleads that Pakistan is not the only country which permits the holding of a dual citizenship or nationality in terms of the Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 (Act II of 1951). Many countries of the world permit holding of dual nationalities or citizenships.
“Our country’s economy has always been considerably supported by overseas Pakistanis, whose allegiance to Pakistan should not be in doubt. It has been a long-standing demand of the overseas Pakistanis that there should be no impediment in their way to run for elections for parliament,” the bill adds.
However, the amendment is likely to face stiff resistance from the opposition and the allied partners of the government alike as the Awami National Party (ANP) has already decided to oppose the bill.
In addition, PPP’s own leaders, including Senator Raza Rabbani and Aitzaz Ahsan, have also expressed their reservations over the bill.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 14th, 2012.
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@Tahir Ali:
Very well explained....only if understood by the supporters of this issue....
For fulfilment of USA’s ‘grand design of containment of China’, Pakistan must be converted into a ‘pliant’ state. To pursue this objective the strategy being adopted is to control Pakistan by controlling its leadership, through implementation of a well thought-out plan, whereby; (1) Pakistani politicians willing to support the US agenda in the region would be ‘assisted’ to reach the corridors of power (2) Ingress would be made in major institutions by cultivating ‘local assets’, thereby, establishing a network to ‘elevate and protect’ those who comply and ‘marginalize’ those not falling in line (3) Alternate leadership would be prepared to ensure friendly change, if situation so demanded (4) Rampant corruption, economic dependence on USA and negative internal dynamics of Pakistan would serve as tools to support the strategy. NRO was thus brokered by USA to pave the way for return and ascent to power of ‘leaders’, willing to dance to their tune. Having placed at the required positions, they were to achieve total control over institutions that may hinder pursuance of long-term US objectives. The major institutions to be tamed included the Parliament, military establishment and the Judiciary. Thus, the Parliament has been successfully converted into a ‘rubber-stamp body’ through enactment of 18th Amendment, whereby, a party head has become so strong that he can even unseat a sitting PM of his party and if he is also the President, enjoying immunity, as is the case these days, the system can be termed anything but democracy. Now, any foreign power by just controlling 4-5 party-heads, can control the entire policy-making of Pakistan. One can imagine the consequences if these leaders also choose to become US citizens after passage of proposed bill on ‘dual nationality’. With parliament under their control, the dual nationality holders would become all powerful ‘untouchables’ to pursue their agenda of controlling other institutions with greater freedom of action. Thus, the ‘dual nationality’ bill, if passed, would have serious implications for Pakistan. Already, under the garb of constructing new embassy at Islamabad close to the Presidency and PM’s Secretariat and a consulate at Karachi, the US is in the process of developing bases in Pakistan. With the enactment of the proposed bill, we would probably one day have ruling elite with US passports, virtually running the country from the US base at Islamabad and taking decisions under US dictation, which may not be in our national interest – colonization of a new kind. As such, in my view, all those parliamentarians who support the ‘dual nationality’ bill would be responsible for placing the country under a de-facto foreign rule.
@khan:
maximum remittances are from the Mideast countries & KSA being the biggest contributor& these people are called EXPATS ( who are mostly labors etc )....the remittances by the dual nationals is very negligible compared to remittances by the expats...so we will not die of hunger Mr Khan...keep your money with you.People like you dual nationals remitts money because their extended family lives in Pakistan & they may die of hunger, if you do not remit,
@DevilHunterX:
Nope, no under the present constitutional clause 63 - 1 C....unless it is amended to suite you & others like you....in Pakistan everything is possible if it is against the govt & MPs....they can change the face of this country if it is going against them....we are a free country....nowhere in the world can such changes takes place on the whims of the MPs & the govt.....
@faraz anwar:
Yep ! only if the relevant clause is amended....which is going to be done soon because many guys are on the red line & in this issue all these politicians from all parties will be one...
You don't have to be dual national to become Mir sadiq and Mir jaffar. Dual nation national folks are much more professional and honest compare to your current generals and so called those politicians who sold this nation for few $$$. Not convinced? Look at drone strikes and your nuclear installation that is guarded by US $$. If dual national decided not send any money back home, your nation will die of hunger. Grow up folks and allow anyone who is elected by the people of Pakistan to hold any office.
Can a Canadian / UK / US citizen take the dual nationality of Pakistan and then contest elections in their own countries?
Prospective candidate of Parliament, Courts, Arm Forces should not hold dual nationality. Only Pakistan National should be responsible to lead the country.