By Our Correspondent
LAHORE — A resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly urging the federal and provincial governments to introduce legislation preventing dual nationals from holding government jobs.
The resolution was moved by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) lawmaker Amjad Ali Javed, who argued that public officials entrusted with sensitive responsibilities should hold only Pakistani citizenship.
According to the resolution, concerns have been raised over reports claiming that thousands of government employees possess dual nationality. It states that the issue warrants a review of existing laws governing recruitment to public service.
The resolution notes that individuals seeking citizenship of another country are generally required to pledge allegiance to that state, arguing that this may raise questions about potential conflicts of loyalty in positions involving national security or confidential government information.
It also points out that Pakistani law already places certain restrictions on dual nationals in relation to elected public office and suggests that similar considerations should be examined for appointments in government service.
The proposed resolution says civil servants often have access to sensitive records, policy decisions and information relating to state institutions. It urges both the federal and Punjab governments to enact appropriate legislation and adopt administrative measures aimed at restricting dual nationals from serving in public sector positions.
If adopted, the resolution would serve as a recommendation to the relevant governments and would not, by itself, change the law. Any such restriction would require legislation and implementation through the appropriate constitutional and legal process.
The issue of dual nationality in public service has been raised previously in Parliament. Earlier this year, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) MNA Noor Alam Khan called for a review of the policy on dual-national civil servants, arguing that the matter should be addressed consistently across public offices.
The latest resolution is expected to add to the ongoing debate over eligibility criteria for public service appointments and the balance between national security considerations and citizens’ legal rights.
