Dual nationals cannot join armed forces of Pakistan: Defence minister

PPP senator poses question in Senate, Defence Minister Syed Naveed Qamar tables written reply.

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Syed Naveed Qamar informed the Upper House of Parliament on Tuesday that dual nationals cannot join the armed forces of Pakistan.

“Persons holding dual nationality are not eligible for appointment in the armed forces of Pakistan,” said a written reply tabled by the defence minister in the Senate.

Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Senator Sughra Imam had asked if dual nationality holders could join the armed forces.

Dual nationals are required to surrender other nationalities on their final selection in the military.

Currently, any person who holds dual nationality cannot contest elections for national or provincial assemblies. There are around 16 countries, including the United States and the UK, with which Pakistan has signed dual nationality agreements.

The government recently tabled a standing committee report, in the Senate, on a draft of the 22 constitutional amendment bill allowing dual nationals to run for elections.