Twenty-Fourth Amendment Bill
The matter of dual nationals being allowed to contest parliamentary elections has been debated for some time. And, fittingly, the national assembly’s standing committee on law, justice and human rights has rejected the draft bill that sought permission for dual nationality holders to contest for parliament. The committee has sought fit, however, to allow dual nationals to vote, which is as far as MQM’s Twenty-Fourth Amendment Bill, which requested the right to vote as well as contest elections, will go.
Significantly, the standing committee was informed that the government was also considering extending the ban on dual nationals to the civil service. The argument, voiced by most members of the committee, was that if foreign nationals are allowed in parliament, then they will demand representation in other important institutions as well, including the armed forces and judiciary. Allowing one opens the gates for others. And at present, when Pakistan is beset by problems, both internal and external, it would not have been wise to entertain such suggestions.
It is important to note that fears regarding dual nationals finding unwelcome influence in the legislature are not a reflection on all Pakistanis with other nationalities. Our overseas brethren are a respected part of the state. And their contribution to the economy – through remittances and foreign direct investment – is enormous. Each year at budget time every finance minister appreciates their contribution to national income. And granting them right of vote is understandable. However, contesting elections is entirely different matter. Among other things, it would also empower outside lobbies that continue to command influence in corridors of power that matter to interfere with our governance system, which is already under pressure from within. The loyalty of lawmakers and government servants should be beyond question. And when they have sworn to defend and project interests that suit other nations, it is best if their influence is restricted to voting.