Dual nationality

It is time the Pakistani state and its political, civil and security establishment each reassessed their own role and shortcomings in securing this country, its sovereignty, providing justice, equal rights and welfare. The Father of Nation was very clear that there can be no conflicts of interest for those holding public office, when he refused Lord Mountbatten to become governor general after 1947. There are some fundamental anomalies with our basics which need to be rectified if this country is to survive as a sovereign independent nation, whose institutions, political parties and individuals at helm are there to serve people, obey its laws and respect its constitution.

How can you expect an individual who has recently pledged loyalty to another country, thereby revoking all previous loyalties, to be eligible to lead political parties, hold public offices, get diplomatic assignments and serve this country, whose citizenship they are not proud to hold. Pakistan has suffered a lot because of this farce of dual nationality, where numerous opportunists have reduced this country to a convenient financial transit stopover to hold power, do business, evade taxes and then abandon this country. Pakistan cannot hold anybody accountable for acts of treason, massive corruption or other crimes, if the person holds an American or British nationality. Other than Afghanistan and Pakistan which are both unstable, both victims of terrorism, no other country in this region, including India, allows its citizens with split loyalties to hold any public or elected office, nor any other sensitive assignments.

Malik Tariq Ali

Lahore