Pakistan Today

Saga of dual nationality

Let there be no confusion in any person’s mind that any Pakistani who willingly adopts another nationality and pledges their total undivided loyalty to their new nation are sworn to do so, even if this involves fighting a war against their former country. Americans of Afghan and Iraqi origin were involved in fighting the war in their former countries where they, or their forefathers, were born.

People like Baroness Saeeda Warsi and Lord Nazeer, are British citizens who having pledged their loyalty to UK can only maintain emotional contacts with their former country and if it does not conflict the interests of UK, contribute to welfare activities in Pakistan.

In this instance the case of Dr Ghulam Nabi Fai, an American national of Kashmiri origin, should explain the nature of commitment which an oath of loyalty that every US citizen takes and bounds him to serve his new country in totality. Dr Fai who had being actively involved in lobbying for Kashmir cause was allowed to do so as long as it served US interest. However, when global strategic interests demanded, the US convicted and punished him for getting funds from Pakistani intelligence agencies. This is the same oath that Rehman Malik, Altaf Hussain, Khawaja Asif, Wajid Shamsul Hassan, Fauzia Kasuri, Auditor General Boland Rana or the Governor State Bank Mr Anwar has pledged.

If called upon to render any services as bound by their oath of citizenship, these men or women are bound to oblige. Pakistan as a country has suffered many setbacks and colossal financial losses incurred by massive flight of capital as a result of loopholes and policies framed by men holding public offices of significance, inspite of their dual nationalities. On the other hand there are majority of expatriates forced by circumstances, in search of livelihood, who send all their savings to Pakistan to support their families and build homes in Pakistan.

These are not the men who seek public office in Pakistan, because if they had this opportunity they would never have left this country. It is those who having benefited the most in terms of power, fame and fortune, who have now abandoned this country and yet would like to continue fleecing it as long as possible, knowing fully well that Pakistan will suffer economically because of their corruption and ill intent.

MALIK TARIQ ALI

Lahore

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