THIS is apropos of the letter ‘Dual nationality and party tickets’ (Jan15). The writer has raised some interesting and pertinent questions about our leadership. It may be noted that people with dual nationality have taken a written, as well as a verbal, oath of loyalty with another country. Interestingly, no such oath is administered in case of their first nationality, i.e Pakistani, because it is assumed that a person will maintain his or her Pakistani nationality only.

The legal community knows well that the stated position always overrules the unstated position. The official position is that dual nationality holders have an allegiance and loyalty to another country.

Imran Khan was questioning Altaf Hussain’s role in Pakistani politics in spite of holding a British passport. What principles are we talking about?

Our present setup of the PPP and the PTI are derivatives of Musharraf and thus a continuation of the same policy.

While dual nationality holders are a national risk to the legal process, their occupying senior positions in ministries and regulatory bodies is an administrative risk for our decision - making process. The case of Auditor General of Pakistan and Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, are just to bring home the point. Running away of Syed Jamaat Ali Shah to Canada is yet another example of such people deserting the country. Those contesting elections or taking government positions must be asked to surrender their foreign nationality as a part of eligibility requirement. This will establish their bona fide and commitment and faith in this country.

I request the politicians and the government not to become hostage to these holiday-seekers.

SEHR SIDDIQUI Lahore