APART from a few proscribed countries, holding dual nationality is not illegal under Pakistani law.
But that applies only to ordinary citizens. Under Article 63-1(c) of the constitution, the same privilege cannot be afforded to the country`s parliamentarians, even though the law in question is vague.
Does a parliamentarian who has a foreign passport in addition to the green book cease to be a citizen of Pakistan? Even under Gen Musharraf`s dictatorial rule no definitive answers were forthcoming and the same holds true today under a democratic set-up. These matters need to be clarified. It has been reported that the Election Commission of Pakistan is now in the process of disqualifying any candidates for parliamentary posts who might hold dual nationality. They will be asked to sign documents affirming that they are citizens of Pakistan, and Pakistan alone. Otherwise they open themselves to accusations of perjury.Nadra and other arms of the official machinery, including the Foreign Office, can easily track down who is lying or telling the truth in this day of readily available information. This clause, that of signing a declaration, could be important when it comes to the next general elections. Recently, parliament has also questioned whether or not the dual-nationality rule should apply to all government employees, though that is a grey area that needs to be probed thoroughly.
On the whole, however, this is not a bad move because it is one thing to be a businessman with dual nationality and another to be a lawmaker who carries more than one passport. National interest is at stake here. It has been eroded over the decades by numerous personalities but it is time to take a stand. Pakistan`s interests can be best projected by honest individuals who believe in the welfare of the people at home, not overseas.
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