IN the backdrop of criticism of the opposition to induction of unelected people especially dual nationals into the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday that dual nationals were not traitors and that there is need for tapping what he called “resource pool” of Pakistani experts and professionals living abroad for uplifting of the country. While launching Roshan Pakistan Digital Account – a facility which will provide innovative banking solutions to millions of non-resident Pakistanis seeking to undertake fund transfers, bill payments and investment activities in Pakistan – he expressed surprise why people say that dual nationals cannot get any public office and cannot become a minister and why people move courts every other day.
Dual nationals or overseas Pakistanis are part and parcel of national mainstream and there is hardly any justification to view them with suspicion. They have rendered invaluable services for the cause of the country and contribution to its socio-economic progress and development. However, the unfortunate debate has its origin in the politics of leg-pulling and blame game and the issue was also highlighted by PTI when it was in the opposition. As opposition leader, Imran Khan had repeatedly said he stands against Government aides, advisors, ministers who swear an oath of allegiance to another country. He believed that dual nationals holding passport of another country have no right to sit in the assembly, become member of the cabinet due to conflict of interests. Now same logic is being highlighted by his opponents as he has inducted dual nationals into his cabinet and the Lahore High Court is also seized with the issue these days. There are also court rulings on related issues with the Supreme Court of Pakistan banning government officials from being dual nationals. Currently, the Constitution does not allow persons of dual nationality to contest elections in Pakistan. Article 63 (1) of the Constitution lists what disqualifies a person from being chosen as or elected or being a member of Parliament and one of the disqualifications reads, “if he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan or acquires the citizenship of a foreign state”. Under directions of the Prime Minister, the Government intends to make moves for amendment of the law to ensure that dual nationals could contest elections for legislatures. Under these circumstances, a thorough debate should be held on pros and cons of allowing dual nationals to contest elections or become members of the cabinet. There should be no point-scoring or leg-pulling and instead consensus should be evolved considering different aspects of the issue on merit. Maturity also demands shunning the tendency of triggering unnecessary controversies and politicians should make well thought-out remarks whether in power or in the opposition.
