Challenging the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)’s decision of barring dual nationality-holders from contesting elections for parliament, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan announced on Wednesday that his party would file a review petition with the ECP seeking a reversal of the decision. “A number of Pakistanis having dual nationalities have vast businesses abroad… They serve the country in the shape of foreign remittances amounting to billions of rupees and they should have the right to contest polls,” he told reporters at a press conference in which former federal law minister from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Syed Iftikhar Gilani and former provincial minister Iftikhar-ud-Din Khattak joined the PTI.
Responding to a query regarding reports of a secret deal between the government and the military over the memogate scandal, Khan said he was not aware of any secret deal between the government and military over the memo issue but the judiciary should take the issue to its logical end.
We urge PTI chairman to challenge ECP's decision of barring duel nationality holders to use their right of vote in the forthcoming election. ECP ought to take optimistic view instead of being pessimistic, because of the unbelated fact that by having right of vote, overseas Pakistanis will come into mainstream of Pakistan's politics, resulting their affection for their homeland and hence will bring billions of dollars into Pakistan. They can change the fate of this country by virtue of their financial and professional acumen.
thank you that you have voiced for dual national pakistani.
these pakistanis dual national are honest and good assets for saving pakistan to become bankcrupt.
if they participate in election then you will have the best honest mnas mpas senators ministers prime ministers and president.
i beleive that pti imran khan can do the job
people who do not even own Pakistan as their country want to be our representatives?
@m. aslam chaudhry – the barring by the ecp is not against voting by overseas pakistanis. its against dual nationality holders from 'contesting' (as in standing for) elections. most of the lot in parliament have uk, us, canadian nationalities and are least pushed about pakistan's future given they always have the option to move abroad, if things get really bad. its the right decision by the ecp and the only review needed is by IK of his decision to review.
what about those who with dual nationality have been the care taker prime ministers in the past, and who remained prime ministers for several years and then went back to countries abroad… you would know the names. and BTW what about those who remained in self exile for decades and then returned, and what about those who have billions of dollars worth investments in countries abroad…a situation, which is worst then having a dual nationality.
is he gone nuts, he was the one who started this issue and now he want to challenge the decision..
Imran Khan is unable to handle the new, popular image he's been given by the people of Pakistan and in his excitement he is making wrong decisions. This step by ECB to ban the dual nationality holders from taking part in elections is a very good step.
can you please elaborate a bit as why is it a good decsion. I would ask you couple of direct questions if you choose to answer;
1. who is the largest contributor to national exchequer with regards to foreign exchange.
2. which of the leaders have had dual nationality who damaged pakistan.
3. name one country who is rich and had adopted this rule.
Election Commission should consider that duel nations can contest in elections, however if elected should let go the nationality of another country
what exactly he want…. totally a confused man.
Has he gone mad
what would it be like if Obama's had a dual nationality of Pakistan And America.The decision is good in a sense if a person wants to become a leader he should surrender his other nationality and reflect his dedication for the country.
A person who swears loyalty to the queen will be loyal to Pakistan ? LOL , Imran Khan is slowly becoming a full-fledged politician , hungry for power and winning an election 🙁
how on earth do you allow people with dual nationality to contest in the election and then become the president/pm or any minister of the country and then he leaves you for dead? all dual nationality holders MUST be barred from contesting in election. this is a brilliant decision…we have enough people here in pakistan who can save this country. we dont need people who are not loyal to this country.. but YES at the same time overseas pakistanis should be allowed to cast vote…they are too large in number and they serve pakistan in many different ways..
why to contest?? why dual nationals shud contest elections in PAK??
he should not challenge the decision as dual national people kan create big fuss…
they tell a sorts fo lies against pakistan citing religious persecution and other stuff for the dual nationality and later they want to represent us? rubbish! any person who has dual nationality shouldnt be allowed to represent pakistan!
Absolutely correct decision, Imran bhai has gone berserk. Stupid MAN!!
hahaha …..very funny
sirf liar khan ki khaam khayali hai
Absolutely correct decision by Imran Khan. I salute you as the greatest leader with highest political acumen in the country.
Even the dumbest person on earth must know that biggest asset Pakistan as a country posesses is its diaspora abroad. And more stake they have in the country, better the chances of their bringing investment and expertise in the country. As for the trumped up fears of ditching Pakistan in the lurch is concerned, IK has already counterbalanced it by insisting on bringing all of one's wealth in the country before contesting for elections.
i think IK though they wont allow dual nationals to vote. HEwas always against dual nationals contesting elections
I am surprised to see Imran's stand. He is the one alleging Nawaz Sharif for having assets and businesses abroad. And now he is saying that people have businesses abroad and they send remittances and therefore should not be barred from active participation!
This is a very right decision by ECP. Every loyal and honest pakistani appreciate the decision. Imran Khan should not play on this issue.
My advice to Imran Khan: Stop reacting to issues without full understanding.
This very good decision by ECP is rational and could have far reaching +ve impact on future Pakistan. How can future of the nation be safe in the hands of those who have already sworn to be loyal to other countries? It's time to stop thinking in terms of monetary gains. It is test of loyalty for Dual Nationality holders. If you love Pakistan, retain your Pakistani citizenship and give away other. If you don't then remain loyal your new nation, we do not have places for you in our Assemblies as our future makers.
Imran: we love you; please think twice before your advisers ask you to open mouth. There is too much for Pakistan to gain from your success. Neither you nor Pakistan at this stage affords more mistakes by you. We are looking up-to you. Future of Pakistan is in your hand. Do not let us down.
Definetly not the brightest move by Imran Khan. Although there could be some good people abroad, but one has to keep in mind that they ditched Pakistan for the nationality of the said country. They take an oath of loyalty to that country, how can people like that serve Pakistan? People living Abroad (Permanent residents) with Pakistani passports however, should definetly be allowed. But not someone who took an oath of loyalty to another country. Thats just plain stupid! a very good decision by EC of Pakistan.
atleast no elected member should have dual nationality or in process of having nationality. How one can serve Pakistan if the individual wealth and future plan is in other country
We need to seaprate two issues (1) having voting right and (2) contesting election/holding an office separate. Where Imran is right about (1), we can not agree on 2nd. How would dual national watch interests of both the countries simultaneously, where conflict occures.
how can a person be sincere with one country if he has got benefits from another country. I think that imran khan wants that people from foreign countries to come to pakistan win elections from here and then steal money when it have to be made accountable they can run away back to us or to where they belong
I think, dual nationals should neither be allowed to vote, nor to contest in elections. Simply because their interests are not 100% for Pakistan.
I agree with Hamza Siddiqui
Overseas Pakistani are working hard to get better education, technology, and values
of honesty and dedication. They are doing their best to support their families and when there is hardship Pakistian such as earthquake and flood in Pakistan they donate large amount of money and other necessities. Moreover, they represent Pakistan in the foregin countries for positve images. It is therefore, dual national should to vote and take part in all the elections.
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