Lawmakers have 30 days to submit fresh declations about their nationalities: EC
ECP’s Secretary Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan. — File Photo
ISLAMABAD: Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Tuesday granted 30-day deadline to the parliamentarians for submitting the fresh declarations pertaining to their nationality status, DawnNews reported.
Speaking to media representatives after an important meeting over dual-nationality issue, Secretary of the ECP Ishtiaq Ahmed said that the members of the national and provincial assemblies who fail to submit fresh declarations within 30 days will be considered dual-nationals.
He said that the lawmakers have started to submit their fresh declarations in the central and provincial offices of the ECP.
He said “14 senators, 140 National Assembly members, four Punjab Assembly members, 25 Balochistan Assembly members and five KP Assembly members have submitted their declarations.” Adding that, he said that “no one from the Sindh Assembly has submitted their declarations.”
The ECP Secretary said that submission of the fresh declaration was the ruling of the Supreme Court and the ECP would implement it.
The ECP, on a Supreme Court direction, had asked all members of Senate, National Assembly and the provincial house on Sept 24 to submit declarations on oath that they were not disqualified under Article 62 (1) (c) of the Constitution. (The sub-article of the basic law bars public representatives from holding dual nationality.)
A reminder was sent by the ECP on Oct 2 asking the lawmakers to furnish their declarations on or before Oct 9 as secretaries of Senate and the National Assembly refused to comply with the earlier directions.
EC should set up a cell where secret information about dual nationalities can be provided. There are some definite dual citizens in Sind assembly. Fear prevents common people from sharing that information. I sincerely hope that EC uses masses for information on these black sheeps.
When 9th Oct was the last date to submit declaration,why give them grace period?They are the law makers of a nation and are to abide by the instructions,otherwise,how do they expect common man to follow the law.I suppose giving grace period is also some sort of game and confirms ECP is part of this corrupt government.
Excellent move. I do not want any dual national to take decisions about Pakistan. period.