THE government has finally moved a constitutional amendment bill in the National Assembly to allow dual nationals to contest elections. According to the bill, an elected dual national has to renounce his/her foreign citizenship before taking oath as a federal or provincial legislature.
Presently a dual nationality holder is automatically ousted from any electoral fight and even if found dual national after victory, the member stand disqualified. A large number of federal and provincial lawmakers have already fallen victim to this provision. In new constitutional amendment, a window has been provided for aspirants to retain their dual nationality and go back to foreign country if they lose the election. This will encourage our expatriates who have over the years immensely contributed to the country’s economy through their valuable remittances and other services to participate in country’s politics. Many of these expatriates are holding important positions in different fields in foreign countries and they can proactively contribute for the well being of their motherland by becoming part of Parliament.
We, therefore, appreciate intent of the government and also urge opposition parties to fully support this constitutional amendment, as bill cannot be passed without two-third majority. The unanimous passage will also convey positive message to expatriates. Over the last few months, overseas Pakistanis have sent record remittances to the country and credit for this goes to present government that has taken unprecedented steps, encouraging them to send their money through legal and formal channels. This process of facilitating overseas Pakistanis must continue and they should be wooed to invest in different sectors of economy. The promise of granting right of vote to these Pakistanis must also be fulfilled. Given the technological advances, this no longer should be a problem. Both Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) and NADRA should join hands to devise such a plan that enables overseas Pakistan to cast their votes in next parliamentary elections.
