It should not be forgotten that most dual nationals are natural citizens of Pakistan and have secured this status by birth. There is no justification whatsoever of depriving any natural citizen of his/her basic citizenship right guaranteed by the Constitution. The Pakistan Citizenship Act, 1951 recognises the right of dual nationality of its citizens with 17 countries. Therefore, having been recognised by law, dual nationals should also be given full citizenship rights by allowing them to participate in the country’s political life. In Pakistan, the part of the Constitution, barring dual nationals from becoming parliamentarians contradicts the state’s official policy on the issue of dual nationality. It must be ratified by either changing the state policy on dual nationals or by amending the Constitution to this effect.
As far as the oath of allegiance of a dual national to a second country is concerned, it is only a legal formality, varying from county to country, and does not affect his loyalty to the first state.
If people like Sayeeda Warsi, Lord Nazir Ahmed and Lord Sarwar, despite being of Pakistani origin, can secure important political positions in the UK, then why not in Pakistan? Instead of complicating the issue of dual nationality, we should deal with it objectively by putting it in its true context. Doubting the patriotism and sincerity of millions of expatriate Pakistanis is neither justifiable nor justified. Therefore, dual nationals should also be given their due.
Mohsin Raza Malik
Published in The Express Tribune, February 28th, 2013.
COMMENTS (5)
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There are great contributions of Pakistanis leaving abroad that must be recognized. China is said to be built by the overseas Chinese so we can.
Agreed! dual nationality issue in Pakistani should be taken objectively like most of the countries in the world.
I think discrimination of overseas Pakistani on the basis of their dual nationality should be stopped. They are Pakistani before anything else.
I think there are grades of dual nationals - for example, Pakistanis who work abroad and pay taxes abroad as working citizens are in a better position to speak about their rights in Pakistan. Someone like Tahirul Qadri who failed as a politician in Pakistan and went abroad as a refugee where he doesn't work or pay tax but lives free off other citizens does not deserve to be included in this debate.
Totally agree. Dual nationality can not be a criteria for qualification.