The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its judgment on a suo motu case regarding dual nationality of government employees.
A three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Umar Atta Bandial and Justice Ijazul Ahsan heard the case.
As the hearing started, the chief justice 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, a 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.” “Should all these categories be treated in the same manner,” he asked.
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.” He also said that dual nationals should not hold government offices. “It will be better if the court lets the parliament and government make a decision in this regard,” he added. “Till date dual nationality of no Pakistani has been revoked. The Lahore High Court had directed the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) against doing so,” he added.
At this point, 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.” The chief justice said, “Those who betrayed the nation and bought property abroad still hold government offices.” He remarked, “There should be no leniency towards those who malign the name of the country. The government has the authority to draft policies on the matter.” To this, Justice Ijazul Ahsan added, “You cannot sail on two boats at once.” The chief justice asked, “If there is a ban on parliamentarians holding the dual nationality, then why is it not on bureaucrats?” He further said, “We will give recommendations to the government on dual nationality of officials and will also express reservations on dual nationality held by top office holders.” After the respondents finished the arguments, the court reserved its judgment.
Published in Daily Times, September 25th 2018.
