THE prime minister has stated that there was no restriction on dual nationality for legislators in our Constitution.

Perhaps other than clause for immunity he is not aware that Article 63 (1) (c) says that “a person shall be disqualified from being elected or chosen as and from being an MP if he ceases to be a citizen of Pakistan or acquires the citizenship of a foreign state.”

The prime minister should be aware that false or incomplete declaration before the Election Commission is a serious crime which merits disqualification.

There is no issue giving voting rights to expatriate Pakistanis holding dual nationality, but under no circumstances can they be eligible for any public office or diplomatic assignment.

An expatriate can serve on a contract if he has specialisation in field with none available in Pakistan. There is also no bar on investment in Pakistan, or to own any business or private property, as long as he pays taxes.

In certain countries like the UK, nationals residing abroad are only entitled to enjoy privileges of nationality if he/she has paid taxes in preceding three years.

When a Pakistani citizen, having acquired citizenship by birth, chooses to get another nationality, he pledges his absolute loyalty to the newly- adopted country. If a US or UK citizen by birth, decides to adopt foreign nationality, he cannot assume any public office in his former country.

MALIK TARIQ ALI Lahore