WITH all the back and forth about dual citizenship, it is time for some concrete legislation on the issue. The Election Commission has started asking by-election candidates to declare they have no other passports, and that is a step in the right direction. Regardless of the lack of such restrictions in many other countries, the Pakistani context is important to keep in mind. There is a general perception — and a logical one — among Pakistani voters that their elected representatives are less honest and committed than they should be because their foreign passports mean they have a limited stake in the country’s future. From time to time Pakistanis living abroad have even parachuted in to serve under certain governments, only to go back to their other country of citizenship after their terms end. Given the widespread view, and some evidence, that these convenient escape routes encourage a lack of dedication and corruption and other criminal behaviour among those in power, Pakistanis should be willing to renounce foreign citizenship if they want to be elected to parliament in this country.
The current state of the nation also argues in favour of such a restriction. Pakistan’s progress has long been held back by poor governance and dishonesty, and it needs dedicated politicians. It is also going through a particularly delicate period on the foreign policy and security fronts, matters about which confidential information is made available to many lawmakers. The same is also true of Pakistanis in other positions of authority and public responsibility who have access to sensitive information, including judges and senior bureaucrats, and there is a need to look into framing rules, or enforcing any existing ones, about dual citizenship in those positions as well.
Overseas Pakistanis and some politicians have made the argument that citizens living abroad still have stakes in Pakistan and send home remittances, and as such should be able to run for office. But as far as their right to be involved in politics at home is concerned, it can be exercised through giving them the right and facility to vote in Pakistani elections. From those in power, though, Pakistan requires a long-term commitment. Some political parties appear to be resisting such a change to keep certain parliamentarians eligible, now and in future elections. But they need to take a broader view of what the country needs: at this point in its history, and likely for the foreseeable future, anyone wishing to enjoy the prestige, responsibility and privileges of serving as a Pakistani parliamentarian should be willing to renounce any other citizenship they might have.
