Four aides to PM hold dual nationalities
131
ISLAMABAD: The cabinet division on Saturday issued the details of assets and dual nationalities of 20 advisers and special assistants to the prime minister.
The cabinet division’s notification placed on its website shows that out of 19 non-elected cabinet members, four special assistants to the prime minister (SAPMs) hold dual nationalities, including SAPM on Petroleum Nadeem Babar (US), SAPM on Overseas Pakistanis Syed Zulfiqar Abbas Bukhari (United Kingdom), SAPM on Power Division Shahzad Qasim (US) and and SAPM on Digital Pakistan Tania S. Aidrus (Canada).
Among those holding residency of other countries are SAPM on Political Affairs Shahbaz Gill (US), SAPM on National Security Moeed Yousuf (US), SAPM on Parliamentary Coordination Nadeem Afzal Gondal (Canada) and Aidrus (Singapore).
Nadeem Babar owns properties both in Pakistan and the US worth over Rs160 million. His business capitals amount to over Rs2.15 billion.
Zulfi Bukhari owns properties both in Pakistan and the UK. He also owns a Toyota Land Cruiser in Pakistan and four vehicles in the UK — Bentley (2017), Range Rover and two Mercedes.
Moeed Yousuf owns properties worth nearly Rs26m in Pakistan.
Tania Aidrus owns properties in the US, Britain and Singapore.
Worth of Shahbaz Gill’s properties is over Rs110m.
SAPM on Poverty Alleviation Sania Nistar owns a joint property of 9.4 marlas in Saddar, Peshawar, and a Honda Civic (2014) car in her spouse’s name.
SAPM on Establishment Shahzad Arbab owns a house, plots and shops worth over Rs100m and fixed deposit amounting to Rs20m in his wife’s name.
SAPM on Information and Broadcast retired Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa owns eight properties, including a house, plots, commercial plots and agricultural land (65 acres), worth nearly Rs150 million.
SAPM on Health Services Dr Zafar Mirza owns a house and property in Chattar, Islamabad, amounting to Rs20m and two plots in DHA Rawalpindi and Taxila worth Rs15m each.
SAPM on Accountability Shahzad Akbar owns assets worth Rs50m.
Adviser to the PM on Finance Dr Hafeez Shaikh owns properties and assets worth around Rs300m. Adviser on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood owns assets worth over Rs2bn. Adviser on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam owns properties and assets worth over Rs140m. Adviser on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan owns assets worth Rs110m and Rs567m cash in hand.
Correction: The newspaper story has been amended to reflect that four aides of the PM — not seven as erroneously mentioned earlier — hold dual nationalities. The other three have residency in foreign countries. The worth of properties of Nadeem Babar, Moeed Yousuf and Asim Saleem Bajwa stated in the story has also been revised to reflect the correct figures. The errors are regretted.
Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2020
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (131) Closed
Jul 19, 2020 08:30am
Does the law not bar them from being in office ? Is there no declaration of this at the time of appointment? Why is the news out now ??
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:31am
Well, the difference between PM Khan’s aides and the cronies belonging to PPP and PML-N is that the former didn’t loot the public purse while in office to become wealthy Unlike the latter. They former were either wealthy due to personal reasons (own merit or inheritance) or thru business ventures that didn’t involve Pakistani govt or its taxpayers.
Of course, such facts are hard to swallow for anyone including the political clan and the media themselves.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:34am
A billion rupees of fair money is fine.
One rupee earned with loot and corruption is not.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:40am
These dual nationals only present till the Govt after that they shall take flights and go home of their first home where they have zero value.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:42am
What's wrong
Surprised to know nobody has Chinese nationality
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:44am
No analysis or detail that can warrant a home page status for this report. What rules are applicable to advisors?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:54am
Perfect declaration of facts by the government itself of its members who have earned their halal money through handwork and legitimate means in countries with strong property, earning
accountability laws like USA. That's good news. Hope the opposition will be bold and honest enough to declare their assets and net worth to the nation and their sources of income from their previous terms of running the country.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:04am
Owing property or becoming successful in life is not a sin. If there is proof that they were involved in some corruption then it a concern. Otherwise they are inspiration to others.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:06am
In short, the moment things go awry, they will be gone. Good luck bringing them back. We can't bring our own nationals back, these are dual nationals and some even have more than two nationalities.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:09am
Corruption right under IK’s nose and he can’t smell the stink? Again, words are cheap. It is still the same old Pakistan. Even the “naya” PM is now “Purana”.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:09am
Pakistan don't have dual nationality arrangement with Singapore, so it is illegal to get Singapore nationality while holding Pakistani nationality. Even after getting Singapore nationality, Tania Aidrus still retains Pakistani nationality and get such a top position in government.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:10am
Are SA any different that the ministers of cabinet? Are there ministers for these departments that have SA? Are SA answerable to the people/elected?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:12am
Only IK is uniquely honest otherwise no difference between PML-N, PPP and PTI. All are exactly the same.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:17am
How is this legal? If those serving in parliament can't hold a dual national, why are these special assistants all foreign nationals? As soon as the government changes, these people will immediately leave the country. If you want to serve Pakistan, you should be willing to give up all foreign nationalities. There is enough talent in Pakistan without needing to import any from abroad.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:21am
When an individual takes citizenship of another country, there is no guarantee that the loyalty , love will be with Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:28am
The country is one of the poorest but politicians are extra rich and have assets beyond means. What a hypocrisy
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:31am
And this nations still looks to world for funds
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:36am
All these people have wealth 10 to 100 times what is declared, without any doubt.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:38am
Clearly a big time conflict of Interest!
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:39am
Let them rob Pakistan more now?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:45am
A large number of highly motivated and bright Pakistanis go abroad and readily given opportunities to become citizens and contribute to those countries.
Pakistan has to get over the regressive law to deny dual citizens and Pakistani origin diaspora to serve Pakistan
Instead we should actively encourage this most precious resource of overseas Pakistani origin citizens to come back and make Pakistan a prosperous and progressive society.
Maqbool
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:47am
Who are these people and who made them our leaders. Why are they playing with the futures of our children? They don't belong here, they should be where they are required.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:50am
Super-rich consultants for poor people of Pakistan. How can they understand the pain and suffering of a common man?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:01am
Is a person with dual nationality expected to be disloyal to his "other" country and loyal to Pakistan? If not, then how can such people be appointed to important posts in government?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:07am
The minimal qualification of any assistant to the present prime minister should include his or her possessing a dual nationality, not necessarily with a Pakistani nationality. The more nations' representation around our own prime minister, the more to show to the world that we are managing all our affairs on an international basis.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:12am
Billionaire people represent poor nation what a contrast?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:18am
Happy to know the credentials and just showcases the brighter future for Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:25am
No rich want to live in Pakistan except poor local people with appalling quality of life. All these so called aides will run away at first opportunity.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:30am
It is easy to settle in other countries when next government start corruption Cases.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:39am
Wow
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:48am
Nothing surprising, as rich people are the ones who have resources to enter politics. And nowadays, it is wealth and dual citizenship that matter.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:50am
A person taking oath of loyalty to two different nations can't be sadiq and amin for either.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:51am
Hopes badly shattered. Who else is next in line to make naya Pakistan?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:52am
PMIK, the nobel heart is the only hope for Pakistan,just blindly support him in everything.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:58am
Proud of PMIK and his team.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:04am
A real Pakistani will work for building the nation. Half Pakistani and half other nationality will loot Pakistan before escaping. But none in this government is working for common people.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:09am
These people should donate 40 percent of their money to the Dam Fund.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:10am
US Canada and UK should strip citizenship of these Pakistan so they cann serve Pakistan people lifelong
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:10am
Loot pakistan as much as you can and leave. That is the motto.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:15am
What is a difference between PTi , PPP and PML ?
Same looters with different names
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:18am
When you have advisors with dual nationality, your national security is at stake !
The incumbants loyalities are divided !
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:19am
These security checks should be done BEFORE appointments Better late than never. Terminate all dual national appointments.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:19am
Why do they had ld foreign nationality if they are interested in Pakistan's political horizon and appointments?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:23am
Is holding a dual nationality a great sin? Problem rises when people buy a foreign nationality with out living there for studies or business. Otherwise overseas Pakistanis are a great asset as they bring foreign exchange and expertise to the country.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:25am
What will be the value of their advice to the PM?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:25am
There no ruling for non elected members ?...
Where's law definition for non elected members... it's it ECPs job or PMs?.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 12:33pm
Rich citizens of a poor country .If they are part of the ruling elite , then NAB's hands are are also tied.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 12:56pm
They should be asked to share the details of assets of their family (wives, sons, daughters, ...)
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:05pm
Now show the list of PPP and PML-N.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:06pm
What a great team
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:10pm
Having a dual nationality is not a sin if persons employed are not looters like Nawaz Sharif,Shehbaz Sharif,Zardari family,Khawaja Asif,Rana Sana ullah - and have returned to serve this country.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:12pm
@Abdulla Sakir, times have proved otherwise.Sharif family,Zardari family,Khawaja Asif have single nationality with tonnes of looted money.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:13pm
@ExM, IK wanted talent from Pakistan based anywhere abroad.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:15pm
@ahmad, exactly
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:16pm
These are all special advisors: experts in their fields who want to contribute to Pakistan and transfer their knowledge base and skills learnt from the West to Pakistan for its betterment and progress
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:19pm
@ahmad, yes I agree they are not MNA or MPA. They don’t hold public office and hence, their influence is limited to advisory matters. However, they bring a enriched knowledge base and unique set of skills to Pakistan. Overseas Pakistanis want what is best for Pakistan; what they have learnt in the west and transfer it here. This is a baseless allegation made by the money grabber politicians.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:20pm
The dual nationals must go. The rest does not matter how rich or poor they are. Since they are Pakistani, they can stay on, however the nature of their businesses and how the wealth was acquired should be investigated.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:26pm
All of them are very well accomplished people.. some of them with global careers. No case of making money through politics or through family dynasties. We should be proud of such Pakistanis.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:27pm
@Sarcasm, for what?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:28pm
@Abdulla Sakir, PTI is more corrupt than the previous admin’s.... but ok!
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:38pm
How much Income tax are each paying in the treasury
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:43pm
Dual national Pakistanis are more patriotic than 'Pure Pakistanis' and they want to make better Pakistan, but corrupt politicians have spoiled the system.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:47pm
They are keeping Pakistani money safely in other countries so that they can use it in times of difficulty. True patriots!
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:49pm
Expertise, cutting edge skills and unique traits of all greenshirt people must be accepted, appreciated and encouraged irrespective of their present location and position.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 02:52pm
'Single nationals' have looted the country, lets try dual nationals this time.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 03:34pm
The poorest administration in Pakistan history must be a good sign.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 03:49pm
Those who are excited about dual nationals, take a pause and reflect on 'karnamas' of those who only had 'Iqamas' while governing this country. Just compare their riches before and after vis-a-vis overall condition of this land and its citizens during the same time period. There are signs what select dual national can and will do to you and your country. Do vote and demand serious accountability. Do not blindly trust word of mouth. Look at actions and results seriously.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 03:51pm
These people have not been elected by Pakistanis. They are foreign nationals with significant stakes outside Pakistan. They are only here to rule us,take loans and then leave.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 03:59pm
Were these details mentioned in ECP documentation for the elected members and other offices for the SAPMs.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 04:00pm
.....and day and night, everyday since in power, they talk serving poor people of Pakistan. PTI experiment is 100% failure.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 04:01pm
What was the value of the SAPM and elected members before being the team of Government?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 04:20pm
Good news - No Iqama holders doing jobs in Gulf countries while acting part time ministers in Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:31pm
Get the best who is willing to contribute...
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:32pm
So what if they owns properties abroad !!! They lived all their lives abroad naturally they had earned money and made the assets. Why so much cry
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:41pm
Everyone will run away when trouble comes
All selected like IK
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:42pm
@Shaun, Not possible or impossible ?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:43pm
@Ramzan, Shouldn't now be suo moto ?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:44pm
@Dawar Naqvi, Difference is PPP and PMLN still had manners .
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:46pm
@Vijay, What value has been since their appointment so it will be ?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:47pm
@A. ALI, Someone's job and someone's order .
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:48pm
@Sha, First clear this matter than go to next .
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:50pm
Now, in rupees it looks like a lot. Divide 400million by $160.00 you will get the real picture. You may be a multi millionaire even a billionaire in
Local currency, it means very little. In 1950 the exchange rate was $1.00=Rs 4.75. See what the Governments over time have done to local currency. Have a new currency where current hundred rupeese by no more than new Rs 5/-. This is how France and Turkey brought their currencies under control or keep doing what you have been and don't bother.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:57pm
@Nabeel, how much better Pakistan they could make than it is today ?
Without any doubt Pakistan is far much better country than rests but unfortunantly PTI govt is trying to behold its progress.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 05:58pm
Thank you for correcting the incorrect information. But I still don't get the reason for publishing such a report when legally there is no bar. Articles need to be informative for readers, so the relevant laws should have been quoted if there is a problem.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 06:00pm
@Tamza, wishful thinking or what ?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 06:10pm
Why would anyone need to keep Rs 567 million in cash?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 06:57pm
I am not sure why there is a fuss over foreign assets, when people pay have to pay full taxes in those countries.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 07:14pm
20 Aides or Special Assistants! Is this the real Cabinet?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 07:18pm
Won't happen in any other country.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 07:57pm
A person who holds another country's nationality and is allowed to sit in cabinet meetings and attend meetings where countries secrets are discussed? Pakistan is a funny country.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:13pm
Why does he need so many of them?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:36pm
I wanted to help him in managing the budget with high efficiency but was not sure my US citizenship will come in the way. I was born in Chaman, Balochistan. Now I feel I should have offered my services.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:37pm
I read the news article and the comments. Most of the comments are emotional and based on false patriotism. There is nothing wrong with hiring foreign experts. The local elected politicians are not qualified for anything.
The net worth of foreign consultants shown in the report range around one million dollars. It is not big by American standards. Also, I do not believe the dual nationality of consultants is threat to Pakistan in any way.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 08:49pm
@Critic , See reply from Mr. Rahil Kumar.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:00pm
So what. Any body with skills in this globally connected world is offered citizenship. There is nothing wrong or strange with this phenomenon.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:01pm
How can those holding dual nationalities be appointed to such significant positions in Pakistan? I think they're supposed to surrender their foreign nationalities on joining Pakistani service?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:01pm
Effluent officials will not accumulate wealth. It is a welcome sign. PM shall be congratulated.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:05pm
@Marquis de Sade, very suspicious.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:21pm
Can anyone ask Bilawal’s assets and source of assets?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 09:59pm
When you are so much dependent on remittance from overseas Pakistanis and begging them to invest in Pakistan and there is dearth of expertise in all the spheres how can you ignore overseas Pakistanis. If you postpartum members of assemblies and parliament, you will find most of them have properties and bank balances in foreign countries in their children names. Most of this wealth is acquired through illegal means. Over and above that most of them get pay and allowances without ever contributing a word in law making or advise.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:36pm
The Dual Nationality comes handy in case they get caught. The next flight back to US, UK or Canada takes care of all problems.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:38pm
Exact figure is 7.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 10:39pm
@Dr Asif, Do mean that Pakistan do not have any experienced/knowledge people?
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:04pm
@Rahul Kumar, Rahul... what you’re saying doesn’t make any sense!!
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:08pm
PM Khan too may be a dual citizen.
Recommend
0
Jul 19, 2020 11:29pm
Do they pay taxes tune to their income? What if they transfer their wealth or overseas possession to unknowns? Which laws will be applied to such people?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 12:02am
Naya Pakistan. It looks like it is Naya Pakistan. There are so many rich people.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 12:32am
In a hypothetical case, what is to prevent them from leaving the country and they can never be extradited from their country of citizenship. Most countries do not extradite their own citizens.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 12:59am
Is it illegal for aides to hold dual nationalities ?
The ban is for politicians not aides ? - is that correct ?
What about Shaukat Aziz, ex-prime minister, and the children of Sharif and Bhutto Zardari families ?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 01:22am
They are all super rich. Where they got money from?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 01:52am
I do not understand this nonsense behind making dual nationality an issue. The whole of Pakistan and Pakistan government very happily accept the billons of dollars that overseas Pakistanis send to Pakistan, the often even beg for it. Pakistan has very limited financial resources, the population is exploding and in this situation if some Pakistan’s move abroad, these Pakistanis become source of strength for Pakistan. In addition to send a large amount of foreign exchange, which Pakistan’s economy desperately needs, these overseas Pakistanis also play a role in influencing these foreign countries’ policy towards Pakistani interests. They also open opportunities for Pakistan’s students to go abroad and education from the world’s best universities. I do not understand what is the rationale behind suspecting the loyalty of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan. We also need to introspect and see how loyal are the Pakistanis to Pakistan who have only Pakistani Nationality?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 02:19am
These are professionals who earned money through hard work unlike most of conventional politicians in Pakistan who looted national wealth to make money.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 02:40am
OK PTI, time to provide "money trail" please. What goes around, comes around.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 02:53am
PMIK is the most corrupt of them all
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 03:06am
According to PTI members, Zulfi Bukhari openly says he did not contest elections only so that he does not have to declare his assets. He also says he has nothing to do with PTI he is personal friend of IK and ‘invested’ lot of money on IK
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 03:35am
High thinking let their citizen keep dual citizen
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 03:37am
@vijay, lots of countries allow name a few canada united kingdom ireland etc etc
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 03:39am
@Khurram, Uk and Canada wo'nt and will never
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 03:44am
With US banning all CCP, and Pakistan being fully aligned to CCP. We need a strong bench in case these dual nationals are barred threthened to be not allowed to US. If so they will choose US. we need replacements.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 05:31am
Can these aides benefit from inside information?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 05:47am
This is the real foreign agenda people should be worried about instead of the made up fabricated no proof foreign agenda normally doing the rounds in the minds of conspiracy theorists who shy away from all new things as foreign western Israeli invasion. Instead let's talk about our government relying totally on foreign funding and how so many of our parliament members are proven to hold dual nationalities. Loyalty in question?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 06:01am
Please also check whether Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh has citizenship of another country.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 06:55am
Everything is happening under PMIK’s watch? How long do we have to believe PMIK is sincere and honest?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 08:52am
Retired Lt Gen Asim Saleem Bajwa owns eight properties, including a house, plots, commercial plots and agricultural land (65 acres), worth nearly Rs150 million.
Very profitable Service to be in.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 09:09am
@Fastrack, Blindly is the right word. No body but only blind should be supporting him.
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 10:27am
Imran khan sb please get them out or revoke their dual nationalities, we voted against this
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 04:24pm
Supreme Court should dismiss all dual nationals from the government and penalize them and order them to return all the perks and salaries they have taken over the years !
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 05:27pm
What is the issue having Foreign educated and dedicated Pakistani origin people serving as adviser
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 06:34pm
I guess they are not elected members of parliament, neither they hid or lied about their dual nationalities, neither they are working on IQAMA in other countries,
please enlighten me, if there is any conflict of interest??
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 06:38pm
Question is where is their loyalties?
Recommend
0
Jul 20, 2020 08:33pm
@Abdurehman, why ?
Recommend
0
