Imran Khan wants dual national Pakistanis to become part of the country’s political system. He is of an opinion to utilize the talent and resources of overseas Pakistanis and dual nationals. Therefore, he had set up a committee representing ministries of foreign affairs, interior, parliamentary affairs and overseas Pakistanis to suggest a mechanism to remove hurdles in the way of dual nationals becoming legislators.
The government has decided to allow dual-national Pakistanis to contest elections in the country must require a constitutional amendment, Amendments should have a waiting period of say 5years or longer. Since our political system is still infested with corrupts. It would encourage corrupts to loot Pakistan and simply fly out to the other country of their citizenship. This idea may be reconsidered at a later date once our democracy is more mature; and people elect their representatives based upon merit, instead of other factors, such as ethnicity, emotion, fear, bribe etc.
Follow Australian example where dual nationals are not allowed to be parliamentarians. Basically who are dual nationals loyal to? Is it Pakistan or another country whose passport they carry in their inner pocket to run to if needed?
Talent can work for Pakistan without need for them to contest election. The right to contest in election shell remain with those who have 100% commitment to the country. Those are the ones who along with their immediate family live, work and plan to die in the country. They are the ones who will feel and live through whatever good and bad is present and has to come in the future of the country. Already Pakistan is suffering at the hands of politicians, industrialists and bureaucracy that have their children and relatives abroad enjoying wealth stolen from Pakistani exchequer.
Moreover, it is not surprising when top PTI leadership all holds dual citizenship and/or very strong ties to foreign countries. I still wonder why Zulfi Bukhari is part of the inner circle? He has no real qualification, and his father’s money. Is this move just to make certain adjustments of his close aides holding dual passports? For that, time is the best judge surely.
This move will also give rise to another political unrest in the country since numerous politicians have been trailed on holding “IQAMA’s” in the past and PTI government was all loud in their protest against that practice.
Government must utilize best Pakistani talent from all over the world which is needed to build a progressive society, effective institutions and a robust economy but not at the cost of split loyalty when the democratic system and intuitions in the country are not mature enough and the means are not defined to hold them accountable if need be.
As for dual nationals being allowed to become Member of Parliament. Allow them to contest election but they must give up other nationality before taking oath. This will help those who are really keen to contribute towards betterment of Pakistan. How could a dual national member of parliament be stopped from becoming Minister of Defense?
These are some strong questions which need answers and cannot be sidelined just because Khan Sahab received a rock star like reception from the overseas Pakistanis and now all the emotions have irked within him to grant them an opportunity to contest elections in Pakistan while keeping their dual nationality. Sounds Bizarre! Aren’t we all aware of Shaukat Aziz saga?
Rule “Elite rules in Pakistan remains the same”, Irrespective of who is ruling the country. Everyone comes with his own personal interests, Look at PM Imran as he felt he has great support from overseas Pakistani he has started to take them in the power corridor. Well this is how the ruling class operates.
On the contrary, with CPEC being successful and Chinese brothers expected to have a settlement near Gawadar, this is a giood move. We can have a la Xing & Xe zing contest and enter parliament and rule us. This will give legitimacy to the Chinese rule, or Afghans (who are the same blood like Pukhtoons) can easily contest elections in Pakistan. I hope that someday a dual national Pakistani-Afghan will become PM of Pakistan. How about this for an idea? Well, This is not a Naya Pakistan, I hope.
