Comments on: Farahnaz’s dual nationality

By: SSA

SSA — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 04:40:50 +0000

Dr. Afridis’s case has come in media because of OBL, otherwise you find number of them. To know more such persons, read book written by Ex- foreign Minister Zain Nurani who served in the cabinet of Zia Ulk Haque.

By: ahmed

ahmed — Mon, 28 May 2012 21:40:51 +0000

If you think of the prime ministers like Moeen ud din Qureshi and Shaukat Aziz who came to govern Pakistan and returned, as it used to happen in British Raj when viceroys were nominated by the royal majesty and after their tenure bid farewell and moved back to their Great Britain. Thinking of that one does consider that the rule must imply for all the sitting viceroys in the parliament.

By: Aamir

Aamir — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:54:18 +0000

Way to go – no public office for dual passport holders – because we are the most corrupt people in the whole world. So stop comparing with British or any other civilized country with Pakistan….

By: malik

malik — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:28:58 +0000

Ali I don't think you get it. No one in any civilian or governmental post where he has to decide between the two countries should hold dual nationality. People who left to go overseas did so on their own for whatever reasons. We all made mistakes but the biggest one was for abandoning Pakistan, we left rather than face and correct the issue at hand. I am guilty of that and I realise what a mistake I made for myself and my "future" generations of "ABCD". Look at the crooked politicians looting and plundering this nation is this why so many people died at partion so these crooks could enjoy life,look at todays economy versus a few years ago.Read the article written by A.Q. Khan about Karachi

By: Aziz

Aziz — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:55:30 +0000

The subject of dual nationality is for the government of each country to decide. India , our neighbour , despite having a very successful and vibrant diaspora DOES NOT ALLOW DUAL NATIONALITY. There is absolutely no reason for Pakistan to do anything otherwise. If the UK allows dual nationality then it is the prerogative of the UK government to permit. Where is the hypocrisy of Pakistanis involved in such a case as the honourable writer seems to suggest?

By: Indian

Indian — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:17:22 +0000

I'm Indian and let me say that rule holds good every where that expats be it Indian or Pakistani don't deserve any special treatment in their motherland.The remittances made by the expats are never keeping in mind the betterment of their nation but, the benefit of themselves and probably their family.Eventhough one can argue that it is such individual units which make up the nation, the argument is still not good enough to confer the expats with any special benefits.

By: msausa

msausa — Mon, 28 May 2012 14:15:50 +0000

I agree with the writer on not holding elected or public offices by dual citizens. My only question is does such a law exist in Pakistan which disallow them holding public office? If not then supreme court's decision is illegal. If such law does not exist, it should be enacted at earnest.

By: Gerry D'Cunha

Gerry D'Cunha — Mon, 28 May 2012 13:24:47 +0000

Why are we Pakistanis so hypocrates? Aren't there Pakistanis holding dual nationality holding position in the House of Lords, Councilors and government employees. Tomorrow if the British government take the same step as Pakistan has done, then what, Aren't the Pakistanis holding government posts in UK serving the people of United Kingdom as well as their own communities. The British Government has no objection on its Citizen holding dual nationality. When are we really going to be mutured.

By: guest

guest — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:54:18 +0000

how about nisar ali khan

By: Aziz

Aziz — Mon, 28 May 2012 11:33:48 +0000

It is a misconception to say that people taking up foreign nationality serve their mother country by making remittances. They make remittances to their families. But the amount keeps diminishing and tapering off as the person takes root in the new country. Many use Hawalas depriving the mother country of the foreign exchange anyway. Although detailed research is scanty but point in this direction.

When a person works for the state directly in sensitive areas there is a need for clarity about the loyalty of the person. There should be no conflict of interest, real or perceived. Why do we not reverse the situation and ask whether a member of the US Congress or Senate or Army will be allowed to retain dual nationality? Would it be general or specific to selected countries?

Maintaining dual nationality is a convenience which should not be allowed in Pakistan for people in sensitive and strategic position. A very small minority are ever going to return to the mother country except for meeting friends and relatives. In case of real conflict where would their loyalty lie? There is no need to allow dual nationality to such people.

Those who are working overseas for economic reasons can easily acquire residence status and live indefinitely in the host country. At least the loyalty of such people are very clearly defined. In the case of Frahnaz Ispahani and many like her one cannot be so sure. In her position she should make a clear choice and the law should be very clear and unequivocal.