Dual nationality
THE series of resignations by National Assembly and Sindh Assembly members over the weekend was inevitable. The Election Commission of Pakistan had made it known that the country not only had laws against dual nationality, but that now these laws were going to be implemented too. Despite conviction and a long period of disqualification staring them in the face, many lawmakers affected by the rule had waited rather too long for their own comfort before they decided to give up their seats in the assemblies to retain their second nationality. Some lawmakers have yet to come up with a response to the ECP’s demand, placing themselves at risk of being exposed to legal proceedings, including criminal cases. They have no option but to come clean on their status.
It would be in the interest of the rule of law that if and when action is initiated against non-compliance, the matter is taken up in a professional way rather than as a loud drive to fix politics in the country — an exercise the implementers are not tasked with but which they have often shown to have undertaken. During the current term, members of the assemblies have been asked some very tough questions. Those under pressure have routinely been found trying to paint steps against them as if these were part of a grand effort to undermine the assemblies and the incumbents on the whole. This suits their politics. The implementers of the law don’t need to over-emphasise. Simple hard, cold facts and adherence to the existing law is all that is required.
Going by the law, with the assemblies’ term expiring in March, by-polls can no longer be held. The interim will provide parties and individuals time to reflect and prioritise. Maybe some of those who have chosen dual nationality over an opportunity to represent Pakistanis in their elected houses would change their mind and make a return to the assembly. Also, parliament, if it so desired, could agree on new laws to accommodate dual nationality holders. It could go for a ‘compromise’ piece of legislation allowing dual nationals to fight an election but with the condition that they would have to renounce their second nationality if they won the polls. It could alternately go for legislation that allows lawmakers in parliament to have a second citizenship. Either move would clear any confusion regarding those who can contest elections or otherwise. However, the fact is that having dual nationals as parliamentarians can lead to situations where there is a conflict of interest.
Dual nationals should have no role in politics of Pakistan, nor should they hold any public office, neither be employed in sensitive state owned corporations and institutions like Armed Forces, PIA, State Bank, CDA, KPT, OGRA, PSO, PTV, NB, NHA etc
Why compromise? Pakistan should be run by Pakistanis, not people who have pledged allegiance to some other country who uses Pakistan for its vested interests. Who will protect the common man then? These so called leaders who are dual nationality holders.
Those who did not comply with the dual nationality rules stated in the constitution should be disqualified for life, and those who resigned instead of submitting affidavits should additionally be punished too. Until this is done the rule of law will never be seen in this God gifted country, because if the public representatives damn care about the rules then masses can only be expected to follow suit of their leaders.
What a washy washy editorial.
When your elected representatives rather give up their seats than the dual citizenship, it raises the question; why? Is Pakistan their way to make money and the overseas countries to stash it? Where they and their family will ultimately settle.Would you give up your seat if you have no hoard of cash stashed in your second country?
No. This shows that being an elected representative carries lesser dividends than being a citizen of some other country. Democracy is yet to take strong roots in Pakistan. But as a nation we are maturing and an increasing number of people realize that democratic system is savior of the country. We cannot leave our country to ‘mullahs’ or military to run it. People have to take charge through their elected reps.
By applying the existing constitutional provisions to the letter, the ECP will help to clean the political arena whose lawlessness has done and is doing so much harm to the country’s other institutions.
Present constitution has been abrogated and violated so often that it have lost credibility among masses. What Pakistan needs is a new constitution and solemn oath by every citizen to uphold it what come may. Instead of ECP, political parties should be made responsible to assure no dual national gets party ticket for election. In case of violation or negligence liscence of that political party should be cancelled.
Your editorials are becoming like the utterances of our politicians!
The last sentence of article was the essence of whole matter. The writer covered up the issue with his non-convincing writing in whole article save the last sentence. i call it intellectually duplicity in misguiding the readers. The second nationality holders should be arrested for forgery and illegally robbing the nation of millions whenever they know the law of land better as they are themselves a part of law making bodies.
There should be no escape for those who are placing resignations or keeping silent showing preference on foreign nationality over mother land Pakistan.
Clever Move by those in the ruling parties , They resigned to keep their legal affiliations ( under oath to a foreign sovereign) in tact while their resignation has earned them Even Higher Perks and Benefits in terms of Salaries and Allowances , by becoming rather made Advisers and ministers by the ever so eager promoter of ” democracy is the best revenge” through his bidding man called the Chief minister of Sind . Thus more looting out of the national kitty while they cry foul at the top of their words about the SCP and ECP decisions to ask them come clean on your Moral & Legal obligations towards the nation/country called Pakistani oath of alliance . What a Shame , I do hope even though they have resigned BUT ECP and thus the SCP will make an example of these traitors by debarring them for life to hold any public office for life