Daily Times

The recent high profile suspensions by the Supreme Court of membership of parliament of the former interior minister Rehman Malik and MNA Farahnaz Ispahani brought into focus the need for the existing laws concerning dual nationality to be amended. The suspensions also highlighted the glaring deficiency in the system of checking the eligibility of candidates by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). The screening of eligibility credentials should be carried out comprehensively at the initial stage of filing papers by candidates. Once the ECP accepts a candidate’s papers, and the candidate happens to win a parliamentary seat, the suspension of the parliamentarian on a ground initially overlooked is not merely disruptive for the system, it is also, the law on dual nationality notwithstanding, a violation of the fundamental right of a Pakistani-born to be allowed to be an elected representative. The uproar in the expatriate community as a result of the recent developments has opened up a heated discourse. Their greater patriotism in most cases towards the home country than even those who live in it, including efforts (largely abortive because of bureaucracy, corruption, no enabling environment) to help the country through investments, etc, is indisputable. The contribution of expatriates, including dual nationals, through their remittances to Pakistan’s finances and balance of payments (around $ 12-13 billion a year, about 50 percent of our exports) is noteworthy.

The government’s intent to bring in legislation to allow dual nationality holders to run for electoral office is a welcome move in principle for the millions who may have moved to other countries for a variety of reasons, but whose loyalty and dedication to the betterment of their country of origin remains beyond doubt. Articles 62 and 63 of the constitution, which impose a ban on dual nationals contesting elections, if amended, could calm the ruffled feathers of our dual nationality compatriots. As Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has described it, Pakistani expatriates deserve better treatment reflective of their commitment to the country and its future. Pakistan, in its present state of economic, political, and social disarray — domestically and internationally — would benefit from putting its confidence in its nationals — single or dual nationality notwithstanding. The problem of course is that apart from requiring a two thirds majority in both houses of parliament to get the required constitutional amendment through, the government is far from secure and stable, given that the prime minister still faces the test of the Supreme Court requiring him to write the letter to the Swiss authorities in the NRO case. Whether in these circumstances, the government has the credibility to forge such a consensus before the country heads for fresh elections is a huge question. *