By Raja Ehtisham Ul Haq, Pakistan
As the National security has always been of utmost importance, the dual nationality of elected parliamentarians is now becoming controversial in Pakistani politics. Since judiciary is considered as the only hurdle against the corrupt ruling elite, Chief Justice Iftikhar M Chaudhry has not refrained to take action against any unconstitutional act. Before his Suo-moto action, election commission of Pakistan had been ignoring the constitution that prohibits the dual nationality holders to contest elections. Supreme Court has ruled that federal and provincial legislators who possessed dual citizenship at the time of filing their nomination papers and did not validly renounce it then, are disqualified to hold office, which results in disqualification of seven elected members of Parliament. Federal Cabinet has approved a bill to amend the constitution to protect the elected dual nationality holders that allows them to contest elections. The bill will now be presented to the National Assembly to pass. The supporters claim that since dual nationality holder has the right to vote, they must have the right to contest the elections as well. Another plea which is being taken is about the remittances of US$13 billion sent by overseas Pakistanis is a strong factor to boost the economy of Pakistan. But this logic does not make any sense as right to vote and right to contest the elections are two different aspects. The opponents say that the parliamentarians attend defense meetings and go through sensitive information that can be leaked out by any member having double citizenship; therefore, dual nationality can be a curse for the country. The questions that are being raised are, “Can a dual nationality holder be the guardian of defense and nuclear assets? Can he take stand on an issue that clashes with the interest of his second country?” Secondly, if a person is sincere to the country, why can’t he surrender his one nationality in the broader interest of the Pakistan? To strengthen this argument they quote India as an example where dual nationality for the members of the parliament is prohibited. Apart from it, there is another question which can be asked is, “Should dual nationality be prohibited to the parliamentarians only?” if it is an issue of security concern then Bureaucrats, Judges and even the Army Personnel having dual nationality must be assessed. The ban should be for all, not for the members of the parliament only.
