Recognising rights of dual nationals
Rejection of the writ petition by the Supreme Court, regarding the reconstitution of the Election Commission of Pakistan filed by Dr Tahirul Qadri, has once again sparked intense debate over the status of dual nationals in Pakistan. The term, dual nationals, should be distinguished from that of foreign nationals and hence, these must not be confused with each other. There have been attempts to reduce dual nationals to pariah status. National sentiments towards them give the impression as if they are the root cause of all ailments of the country.
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.