67
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has handed over to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) a list of 122 nomination papers it has found to have been filed by candidates holding dual nationality.
The list includes several prominent names, including the PPP's former chief minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader Faisal Vawda and veteran politican Fauzia Kasuri, who is currently associated with the Pak Sarzameen Party.
Shah, however, contested the FIA's findings, stating in a tweet that he had already renounced his Canadian citizenship — a claim he substantiated by producing a certification of renunciation.
For all those who have blindly accepted an outdated list of dual nationals released by FIA, here is my renunciation certificate. Also, I have been cleared by the honourable Supreme Court of all objections previously raised. Sad how things are flashed without proper verification! pic.twitter.com/ndvbBiC8Hz
— Murad Ali Shah (@MuradAliShahPPP) June 16, 2018
There are a few double entries in the list, as the FIA has considered nomination papers filed for different seats separately even if they have been filed by the same person.
There are a total of 49 anomalies in the nomination papers filed for the National Assembly, 53 in papers filed for the Punjab Assembly, 11 in papers for Sindh, eight in papers for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one in papers filed for the Balochistan Assembly.
The data was gleaned from the FIA's Integrated Border Management System, which records traveler data of all incoming and outgoing passengers traveling across the Pakistani border.
"This database was utilized to identify the foreign travel document presented by the traveler at immigration counter while embarking / disembarking on the journey," the report said.
The FIA received a total of 19,880 records from the ECP, which it parsed through its system to identify 122 individuals who had traveled on foreign passports.
Out of the total, 60 were found to be UK nationals, 26 American nationals, 24 Canadian passport holders, three Irish, two from Belgium and one each who held passports issued by Singapore, Australia, Germany, Italy, South Africa, Spain and even Uzbekistan.
The FIA said the identification of people was limited by the data it has available in its repository. It also stated that "contesting candidates who have traveled on a foreign travel document as per our record but have initiated renunciation process to surrender their foreign nationality have been treated as foreign travel document holder".
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (67) Closed
Jun 16, 2018 02:53pm
Candidates with dual nationality contesting elections are security concerns.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 03:14pm
Foreign nationals should be given the right to govern us. They carry as much right to exploit the system and enjoy the perks of democracy.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 03:37pm
ECP, don't allow all who provided false information about their nationality, assets, bank accounts and properties details - no matter, who they are. Give chance to new comers and honest people!
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:47pm
Kick them out not only from politics but also from Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:47pm
The FIA said the identification of people was limited by the data it has available in its repository. It also stated that "contesting candidates who have traveled on a foreign travel document as per our record but have initiated renunciation process to surrender their foreign nationality have been treated as foreign travel document holder".
Then what is the point of this article? Please verify first who has not renounced their dual nationality and then report.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:47pm
And these people seek our votes and sit on the ministers seats and rule us! Knowing all this we still make them our rulers?
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:48pm
The FIA said the identification of people was limited by the data it has available in its repository. It also stated that "contesting candidates who have traveled on a foreign travel document as per our record but have initiated renunciation process to surrender their foreign nationality have been treated as foreign travel document holder".
Then what is the point of this article? Please verify first who has not renounced their dual nationality and then report.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:56pm
What is wrong when dual National Pakistanis want to play their part in the politics of Pakistan?. Stop demonizing us. Dual national Pakistanis should have full rights to vote and they should play active part in politics. We are working hard and we are sending more than 18 billion Dollars foreign exchange per year. But in the end our patriotism is ridiculed and questioned. Why?.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 04:57pm
Dual nationals should be able to contest elections. They are able to vote in Pakistani election. But they should not withhold this information from Day 1.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:05pm
No they cannot be dual nationals..
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:33pm
Imran was right not giving ticket to Fauzia as she may have been the dual national, and he knew it
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:33pm
Duel national should not and must not be allowed to run any parliamentary or provincial government elections.
Security and national interests come first.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:37pm
Didn't she say a few years back she had renounced her US citizenship?
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:41pm
Dual nationality is not a crime , let them contest may be we get some better people this time
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:52pm
Please barred them from election. Foriegn national or dual nationals will never work for country interest.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 05:59pm
Those holding dual nationalities are very dangerous for the security of the country. They do the corruption with audacity for they are satisfied that they can flee the country if danger to their prosecution arise. Not only the parliament but all the civil servants who or their wives have foreign nationality or permanent resident should be detected and their names placed on special watch list. Furthermore they should not be allowed for posting to sensitive station and they should not be allowed promotion to the higher positions.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 06:02pm
What a shameful situation.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 06:17pm
Foreign nationality holders should have no business being part of legislative bodies in Pakistan under no circumstances. Period.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 06:39pm
so now what ?
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 06:56pm
Good Job FIA.
We have all the systems. Just need the will to use them.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 07:19pm
To be dual national isn't such a crime as to deprive the real deserving and suitable single national candidates for contesting the election.
Bottom line is that first preference must be given to honest, real passionate people belonging to common cadre who want to serve their country and not themselves.
Merit should be character and not money or position.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 07:40pm
If Murad Ali Shah is a dual citizen, why did he serve as CM of Sindh province? System is flawed and rigged in favor of the powerfuls and elites of Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 08:00pm
Under the United States Immigrant and Naturilization Laws there is no restriction on being duel national with country of your birth. However if After being granted US Naturalization if one take Oath of Aligence to that of any other country, accept employment of foreign government or become citizen of any other country then United States Government reserves the absolute right to revoke and denaturilize the person. All United States Government Federal employees are American Citizens.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 08:07pm
Well done FIA. At least they used the proper data base to identify the dual nationals. Giving up non-Pakistani nationality for some individuals due to family, business and job ties in other countries. Pakistan must draft a law that allows dual nationals in elections but does confirm the loyalty to Pakistan's ideology and interests as a nation through a sworn affidavit.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 08:15pm
Have single nationality people been more sincere than the dual nationality ones? If dual nationality is a cause of concerns we should also worry about those candidates whose immediate family members (spouse and children) are dual nationals. I do not see any conflict of interest, the dual nationality is mostly from Britain, Canada, and USA, all our friendly nations.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 08:26pm
It seems Pakistan's all problems are due to dual nationals!
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 09:11pm
And these got nothing to offer to Pakistan except establishing businesses.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 09:31pm
you prefer to have foreign nationality, you wants your children to have degrees from foreign Universities, you wants to be treated in foreign hospitals (when you or your family get sick) but you also want to contest election. So that you become MNA/MPA/Congress man or Minister or Chief Minister. Because in the countries you prefer to live you will ot be hired as a clerk. Wah Wah Pakistan
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 10:41pm
Dual nationality holders must not be allowed to contest elections or hold any government/pubic office position.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 10:44pm
Faisal Vadya blamed Altaf Hussain for his British nationality, and lied for his duality.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 10:45pm
How come Murad Ali Shah remained Chief Minister with his dual nationality.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 11:26pm
Dear lord and we let him become cheif executive of sindh ?!?
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 11:35pm
They should not be allowed to contest election. It is too late to initiate the process of renunciation of foreign nationality. Zero tolerance.
Recommend
0
Jun 16, 2018 11:46pm
Murad Ali Shah ? ..... how disgraceful is that.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 12:17am
Dual nationality holder should not be allowed to contest poll unless they give up their foreign nationality. Pakistan already has dual nationality sons who cannot be forced to attend to attend courts.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 12:21am
So CJ please take action no dual national's should be allowed to run assemble especially key post's
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 02:41am
There you go PTI and its hallow slogans...
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 02:45am
Pakistan does not belong to hard working poor Pakistani
People. They belong to foreign corrupted people who hold foreign nationality.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 03:09am
Ex-Chief Minister of Sindh Mr. Murad Ali Shah was my neighbor, I think still he holding ? this is Pak ECP's duty to check his current status.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 03:50am
Does that mean that their entire last year in NA or PA was illegal.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 04:34am
Anyone from MQM P, MQM london or MQM India ?
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 05:46am
Good job to catch those liars. This prevents wrong people getting in important offices for the nation.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 06:05am
Nothing surprise here. But it will be a PLEASANT surprise if the election commission will NOT allow them to contest. Chances are high that under some pretext all the 'big' guys will be allowed to contest- so is the unfortunate state of present affairs of our country.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 07:22am
Are foreigners( dual status holder) not allowed to stand in Pakistani election? If they are allowed why all this fuss and what the constitution of Pakistan says about it? I personally think they should NOT be allowed because of their loyalties can be compromised.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 07:53am
@Imran Alvi Of course, to your comment 'right exploit the system', please add to it, ' just as much rights to loot the country'. Loyalty to other countries, but become MP, CM and PM all that and much more in Pakistan. Wonderful.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 08:38am
Candidates with dual nationality are security risk?Their loyalties lie some where else and can be easily manipulated by foreign governments.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 09:24am
How can a person with dual nationality run for a election in Pakistan? What will be his allegiance once in power? This is so surprising no where in the world this happens
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 09:41am
Ban them All
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 10:23am
@Mohsin Malik
Like seriously? I dont doubt your patriotism but then again I dont trust the patriotism of all the dual nationals. Whats the point of having two nationalities ? In principle it is very right that dual nationals are not allowed to vote/contest the elections. Everyone knows why people get 2 passports.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 10:47am
Any person who has dual or more nationalities must be denied the right to become a member of any elected body in Pakistan. The reason is simple as that person must have sworn in his or her loyalty and allegiance to a country other than ours. In the absence of the parliament the president could be asked to promulgate an ordinance to the effect, passing it as a law when the new national assembly is sworn in.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 10:49am
@Farrukh Safdar Murad Saeed and Faisal Vawda were not ministers or within the rulers group. They are aspiring ones under PTI banner for Insaaf and change.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 10:52am
@Mohsin Malik If there is war between your new home country and Pakistan, who you will fight for if needed? You don't send $18 billion to Pakistan, you send it to where your dependent relatives reside. No choice. No dual nationals should be allowed as MNA or MPA or as judges, bureaucrats, army officials etc.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 11:28am
Kick them out.
That's the reason Murad Ali Shah did nothing, because he was busy in transferring $ to their adopted country. Why he is shouting for new province in Sindh? Canada have 11 province two territories. The population of Canada is less than population of Sindh i.e. only 34 Million.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 12:08pm
@Mohsin Malik Most of them are money launderer and their loyalties are with other country.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 12:26pm
It is personally felt that a renounced citizenship can once again be reacquired. If this is true then this renunciation is invalid for serving in any government institution(s).
Political expediency is what this game is. Only to escape the clutches of the law. Let them serve as private businessmen or go back to their countries of preference and try for employment there or start a business. Salams
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 12:38pm
Pakistani born dual nationals can contest elections and hold important government jobs in the United States so why not in their motherland?
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 03:50pm
Ban them
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 07:28pm
@Mohsin Malik the only thing wrong with people with dual nationalities in politics is , if one has to serve two masters then you have ti lie to both of them.
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 09:45pm
What's wrong with dual nationals? If the nation has no hesitation to use their huge amount of remittances worth billions of dollars every year consistently and persistently since last many decades, why can't they be a part of the general elections in their country of birth and brought-up, with close and tangible family, business, land, property, inheritance and heritage rights, privileges and connections?
Recommend
0
Jun 17, 2018 11:49pm
Even if All those allegedly renunciated the citizenship of any country on.account of political.expediency are not eligible to contest election because at the time of the grant of citizenship all.these.persons .were required to take irrevocable oath to remain.faithful.to the country of their choice.
Their Oath still is on record, these persons are required to abdicate that oath.too and obtain.a court declaration.that Oath taken.at the time of grant of citizenship pursuant to renunciation.may be declated / treated as withdrawn.abinitio.
Just declaration of renunciation is not enough under the circumtances.unless the Oath is taken.back.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 01:20am
They should deposit back salaries plus 10% of corruption commission money to Pakistan treasury.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 03:32am
@naji People like you who accuse others without evidence are the worst thing for Pakistan.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 06:19am
@khalid hussain
Mr. khalid hussain,
Shahs, Zardaris, Sharifs, Ranas, Khans, Gabols,
Memons, Chaudhrys, Razas, Bhuttos, Haiders,
etc., are power hungry people and show they are
above the laws.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 06:22am
@naji
Mr. naji,
Correct.
Murad Ali Shah plays with the emotion of the
people of the rural areas of Sindh.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 09:28am
We know all are departments not at all surprising.
Recommend
0
Jun 18, 2018 05:44pm
There are two types of dual nationals. One who live in Pakistan, make money in Pakistan (by whatever means) and then buy a passport or send their family to live abroad. The other category consists of highly qualified hard working pakistanis who went abroad for education, training or employment and got settled there and now want to return to their homeland and bring their money, experience and expertise back. Such expats have helped develop china and India and should be welcomed with open arms and not demonized. Please be careful while bracketing all dual nationals together.
Recommend
0
Jun 19, 2018 12:44pm
shame
Recommend
0
