ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday reserved verdict in suo moto case regarding dual-nationality of judges and government officials.
A three-member SC bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Saqib Nisar, also consisting of Justice Umar Atta Bandial and Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan, conducted hearing of the dual-nationality case.
During the hearing, the CJP remarked: “There are three categories of public servants with dual nationalities; one who were born in a different country, second of those who went abroad for studies and were granted citizenship, while the third category is of those who gained dual-nationality during their time in government offices. Should all three categories be dealt with the same way?”
Amici curiae Shahid Hamid said that the purpose of a foreign nationality is to make travelling easier. He said government officers should not be allowed to hold dual nationalities, while also advised the court to let the government and parliament take care of the matter.
Justice Nisar said that if members of the Parliament were not allowed to hold dual-nationality, then the bureaucrats should not have the privilege too.
Justice Bandial remarked that “one can not stand in two boats”.
The bench then reserved the verdict.