ECP reconstitution: Dual nationals cannot interfere in internal politics, says SC
Judge says anyone who has taken oath for another country's loyalty cannot be permitted to influence politics.
Tahirul Qadri makes a victory sign while arriving at the Supreme Court on Monday. PHOTO: SANA/ FILE
ISLAMABAD:
The Supreme Court of Pakistan maintained that dual nationals cannot be allowed to interfere in internal politics, while hearing Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Tahirul Qadri's petition on reconstitution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), reported Express News on Tuesday.
During the hearing, Qadri told the bench that he has used a Pakistani passport for visiting Pakistan and Canadian for going to Canada.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that Qadri is known as the "Sheikhul Islam" but has sworn his allegiance to Queen Elizabeth.
“The doors of the parliament are closed for you but your interference in domestic politics is questionable,” he added.
When the chief justice questioned the basis on which Qadri filed his petition, the MQI chief said that he was a Pakistani citizen and can renounce his citizenship any time.
Qadri argued that the Supreme Court had also taken up the Memogate case on a letter sent by a Canadian citizen.
Justice Gulzar also pointed out that a person who has taken oath for loyalty to another country would not be permitted to influence Pakistan's politics and to file a petition for reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The court said that the petition was filed under a quo-warranto and does not fall under Article 184 of the Constitution, and Qadri should thus approach a high court before coming to the Supreme Court.
Qadri submitted papers and a copy of his passport in the court to justify his right to file petition for ECP's reconstitution.
Qadri, speaking to the media after the hearing, said that the Supreme Court has accepted his petition and has been hearing it since two days. But, he added, that the court wants to determine whether they can resolve his issue as he is a dual national before discussing the ECP reconstitution.
“The court has sent notices to all respondents in the case,” said Qadri.
He reiterated that voters can be dual nationals but the elected representatives cannot.
“If dual nationality divides loyalty, then the Constitution of Pakistan should take notice of it. The law of Pakistan should take notice of it,” he stated.
The Supreme Court of Pakistan maintained that dual nationals cannot be allowed to interfere in internal politics, while hearing Minhajul Quran International (MQI) chief Tahirul Qadri's petition on reconstitution of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), reported Express News on Tuesday.
During the hearing, Qadri told the bench that he has used a Pakistani passport for visiting Pakistan and Canadian for going to Canada.
Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry remarked that Qadri is known as the "Sheikhul Islam" but has sworn his allegiance to Queen Elizabeth.
“The doors of the parliament are closed for you but your interference in domestic politics is questionable,” he added.
When the chief justice questioned the basis on which Qadri filed his petition, the MQI chief said that he was a Pakistani citizen and can renounce his citizenship any time.
Qadri argued that the Supreme Court had also taken up the Memogate case on a letter sent by a Canadian citizen.
Justice Gulzar also pointed out that a person who has taken oath for loyalty to another country would not be permitted to influence Pakistan's politics and to file a petition for reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The court said that the petition was filed under a quo-warranto and does not fall under Article 184 of the Constitution, and Qadri should thus approach a high court before coming to the Supreme Court.
Qadri submitted papers and a copy of his passport in the court to justify his right to file petition for ECP's reconstitution.
Qadri, speaking to the media after the hearing, said that the Supreme Court has accepted his petition and has been hearing it since two days. But, he added, that the court wants to determine whether they can resolve his issue as he is a dual national before discussing the ECP reconstitution.
“The court has sent notices to all respondents in the case,” said Qadri.
He reiterated that voters can be dual nationals but the elected representatives cannot.
“If dual nationality divides loyalty, then the Constitution of Pakistan should take notice of it. The law of Pakistan should take notice of it,” he stated.