- SC reserves judgement in case pertaining to dual nationalities of government employees
ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar on Monday questioned why a ban on holding dual nationalities is only for parliamentarians and not on bureaucrats.
While hearing a suo motu case in the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the dual nationalities of government employees, a three-judge bench headed by CJP Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Atta Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan reserved its judgement on the case.
As the hearing went underway, Justice Nisar remarked, “We have heard the arguments of court advisers and respondents in detail. There is one category of people who were born in foreign countries, the second category of those who went abroad to study and a third category which includes those who acquired dual nationality while they served on government posts,” further questioning whether all categories should be treated in the same manner.
SC’s appointed adviser, Shahid Hamid stated, “The purpose of foreign citizenship is to make travel easier. Some people apply for foreign citizenship for their children and the top court should make a decision while keeping security concerns in mind.”
Hamid further stated that dual nationals should not hold government offices, adding that “it will be better if the court lets the Parliament and government make a decision in this regard”.
“Till date, no Pakistanis dual nationality has been revoked. The Lahore High Court had directed National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) against doing so,” he added.
In addition to that, Justice Umar Atta Bandial remarked, “Some posts require complete loyalty to the country. There are no objections to the dual nationalities of doctors and students.”
Justice Nisar added, “Those who betrayed the nation and bought property abroad still hold government offices,” adding that “there should be no leniency towards those who malign the name of the country. The government has the authority to draft policies on this matter”.
To this, Justice Ijazul Ahsan added, “You cannot sail on two boats at once.”
CJP Nisar also questioned, “If there is a ban on parliamentarians from holding dual nationality then why is it not on bureaucrats?”
Justice Nisar further said, “We will give recommendations to the government on dual nationalities of officials employees and will also express reservations on dual nationalities held by top office holders.”
After the respondents finished the arguments the court reserved its judgement on the case.
